Brighton has lacked a major ice rink since the old SS Brighton in West Street closed in the mid-Sixties.

Skaters place great value on what they have got - the small rink at the end of Queen Square, near the Clock Tower.

Now it seems as if Brighton and Hove City Council is making life as difficult as possible for owners Sherry and Roy Scott.

It has imposed restrictions stopping them from putting out spare ice on land next to the rink and says it intends to use some of the site for restricted parking.

With parking at a premium in Brighton, the council is right to bring any available space in line with the rest of the city.

But it should be possible to work out a compromise that allows the Scotts to continue to put out their old ice.

This rink is not a big money-spinner but it does provide a valuable service for thousands of skating enthusiasts.

One day they dream Brighton and Hove will once again have a big rink. But until then, the council should do all in its power to assist the one the city has.