THERE will be no winter ice skating at the Bournemouth International Centre this Christmas, it has been revealed.

Despite the seasonal attraction's popularity and hundreds of thousands of visitors the promoters have pulled out claiming it is not financially viable.

Now council chiefs are exploring the possibility of an outdoor rink in the Square or the Lower Gardens from Christmas 2006.

The BIC decision is certain to dismay thousands of local children who look forward to the festive feature's arrival in the town.

And Bournemouth council has voiced disappointment that an offer to increase its financial support of the ice skating has not been enough to bring it back to the town.

"We have done all we can to continue to support the ice rink at the BIC and it's a shame it won't be back this winter" said Stephen Godsall, corporate director responsible for venues at Bournemouth council.

The popular ice rink has featured at the BIC on five occasions over the last three years and has attracted more than 30,000 visitors on each occasion.

It is believed that visitor numbers need to be between 60,000 and 70,000 over a five-week period to make it worthwhile.

Mark Nelson, managing director of organisers Ice Events and Promotions Limited, told the Daily Echo: "It is with regret that we will not be coming back.

"We continually invested in the project, making improvements year on year, but visitor numbers just haven't been as high as we'd hoped.

"The transportation and set-up costs are very high and we cannot financially continue support for the rink without the footfall revenue. However, we would like to thank all those who have supported the rink in the past."

The ice rink has proved a popular attraction with all ages and Eddie Echo's Christmas party was held there last year.

It was billed as an alternative venue for children who were left high and dry with the closure of the BIC swimming pool.

Mr Godsall said he and his colleagues are now looking at a number of possible alternatives in a bid to ensure events at the BIC have the widest possible appeal, not only to visitors but to members of the community.

Roger Brown, head of leisure, said he hopes an open-air rink is a real possiblity for next year but he added: "It would not be possible to get it up and running in time for this Christmas."

First published: November 9, 2005