OLYMPIC ice-skating legend Robin Cousins has turned the spotlight on Weymouth where he hopes to open a winter ice-skating rink.

Cousins Entertainment this week confirmed it is ‘very keen’ on providing the facility over Christmas.

Ice operations director Alan Abretti said: “It is something we are looking at. We need to see what facilities could be provided and how it could be funded.

“It is an area we know is not serviced by an ice rink permanently or otherwise, with the nearest in Bournemouth, Bristol or Taunton.

“It is something that is becoming more of a tradition over the festive period.”

Since retiring from the ice after 30 years, Mr Cousins has been head judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

“Because of Dancing On Ice there is greater awareness of ice skating so it is very much the thing to do at the moment,” said Mr Abretti.

“Weymouth is a town very much being talked about right now, especially with the commitments to the Olympics.

“All these links make outdoor ice rinks more attractive.”

The plans have been welcomed by former skating ace Pamela Eades, 54, of Beach View Close, Wyke Regis.

Ms Eades emailed Cousins Entertainment but said she didn’t expect a reply.

The housewife was a regular on the rink in Bristol as a child, where she shared the ice with an amateur Mr Cousins.

“I explained that Weymouth could do with an ice rink, especially with the Olympics coming to Weymouth and Portland,” she said.

“I am just hoping that if we get a temporary one, people will support it.”

Two people sure to make good use of the facility are Ms Eades’ daughters, Laura, 26, of Prince of Wales Road, Weymouth, and Samantha, 23, of Sorrel Close, Lodmoor.

Samantha’s two-year-old son Owen Folley also has a pair of skates.

A rink would usually be in place for six weeks and Mr Cousins would officially open it, and run masterclasses.

Mr Abretti said the benefits would be far-reaching. “It will definitely bring in trade,” he said. “It makes the town a place to go.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has welcomed the idea. Coun Geoff Petherick, spokesman for economic development, said: “We’d certainly be more than willing to discuss this idea further.”