A PERMANENT ice-rink in Brighton could be one step closer after councillors agreed to start testing the water.

Councillors yesterday decided to see if any there was any appetite among developers for creating an ice-rink at no cost to the council. 

It comes after 2,000 people petitioned the council in October.

Ice hockey player Sonny Keywood, 11, from Hove, delivered the petition, saying the city was “way behind” others.

Backing the plan to start soft market testing yesterday, Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, of the Green Party, said the authority needed to “listen to the quantity of opinion”.

The economic development and culture committee also agreed to look at potential grant funding, but not to look at the viability of potential sites.

Council officer Ian Shurrock warned of “significant challenges” in building such a facility, both financially and in finding a space.

But he noted they were popular and would be a “boost” to the city.  

Councillor Adrian Morris, Labour, echoed that concern, noting that changing tastes could leave an ice-rink struggling, so it would need to have other facilities alongside.

Councillor Carol Theobald, Conservative, said she was “passionate” about getting an ice rink built.

She said: “If you look at cities or other towns that have got one, they have obviously got money from developers.

“I just hope that something comes out of this to really try and do something for our city.”

Councillor Robert Nemeth, Conservative, said he wanted to “do our best for Sonny Keywood” and was keen for the authority to “give it our best shot”.

The nearest permanent ice rink is in Guildford, while there is a seasonal temporary one in Brighton Pavilion gardens.

The council is prioritising sports funding for redeveloping the King Alfred centre.

The soft market testing is expected to take four months, after which officers will assess the interest and decide whether anything can progress.

No sites have yet been identified for any rink.