It is an election year and all bets are now on the table.

Keep Sussex Skating should put the pressure on the Conservative-led Brighton and Hove City Council and look for a definite promise and date for there to be an ice rink built for this city.

The Conservative council owes Brighton an ice rink, as it was the party in control when the council so disgracefully closed the old one in West Street many years ago. They have now been in power long enough to fulfil their pledge to build a new one.

If private finance for this project is no longer available then the city should dip into its pockets and build a municipal one. It is normal on the continent of Europe for this to happen. The site at Black Rock is available and owned by the Council. All plans have been passed so there is no excuse not to build an ice rink and conference centre.

When it comes to rebuilding Brighton Centre we will no doubt all be expected to contribute through our Council Tax. The same should apply to the construction of a sporting venue of an ice rink and conference centre. During the Great Depression in the 1930s the council built the Undercliff Walk, so this period is not unique – so where’s the vision?

James Greed
Wheatfield Way, Brighton