It was great to see the double-page spread about the enormous popularity of Brighton Centre's temporary ice rink (The Argus, January 4) and to read about Jill Simpson, whose wonderful skills as a coach I much appreciated when learning to skate.

It is incredible we do not have a permanent ice rink in Brighton - our small rink in Queen's Square having closed and various promises of new rinks, such as at Brighton Marina, never materialising.

There has been so much publicity in The Argus about the Falmer stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion and the need for decent football facilities. Leaving aside the controversial issue of location, I agree.

Skaters' needs, though, get hardly any publicity. We are a very low priority in the UK and especially it seems in Brighton, despite the fact Jayne Torvill and Robin Cousins are Sussex residents.

We no longer have skaters capable of doing well in any of the international competions. After Torvill and Dean, there has been a slow decline.

I feel deprived by not having an accessible rink. If, like me, you work full-time and do not have a car, it's difficult to go to Guildford or London when the rinks are not crowded.

As a council taxpayer, my voice is not being heard and nor are the voices of other keen skaters. It is a brilliant sport, good for children and adults alike and, once you have got over the aching ankles, healthy and fun.

-Professor Diane Waller, Brighton