Free skating rink coming to Bishop’s Stortford town centre in December

A free skating rink is coming to Bishop’s Stortford town centre between Christmas and New Year.

East Herts Council, Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) have joined forces to bring the eco-friendly leisure facility to the former Charringtons car park on December 28, 29 and 30. It will be open from 10am to 4pm each day.

The free-to-skate rink can accommodate 50 people at a time. Hour-long sessions will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, with no bookings required. Skates will be provided although users are welcome to take their own.

The rink is made from a synthetic material which can be recycled after use and does not require power – which saves around 350 litres of diesel per day and 14,000 litres of water.

Liberal Democrat East Herts district and town councillor Sarah Copley, who is Bishop’s Stortford’s deputy mayor and a BID board member, said: “I’m very excited about the collaborative efforts between our local councils and the BID to drive footfall into the town centre over the festive period.

“All parties involved in the project are incredibly proud to be offering this space to our local communities and are hopeful of additional events taking place between the Causeway and Charringtons car parks in the coming months.

“While the holiday season can be a great time of cheer, it can also be the most difficult period of the year for some. We are delighted to be able to offer these skating rink sessions for free so that all can enjoy it and create new festive memories with their friends and families.”

Lit Fibre has provided £1,000 towards the £6,800 cost of the rink, with the balance split between the two councils and the BID.