MYSTERY surrounds the future of a Northwich skating rink which was suddenly closed last week.

Skaters, who turned up at SK8 Madness, on Warrington Old Road, last Thursday, were shocked to discover a notice informing them the business was shut until further notice.

The owner is Dave Gunton and the land on the site belongs to Vale Royal Borough Council.

A council spokesman said: "We understand the business SK8 Madness is in financial difficulties. We are the largest creditor and understand from his financial advisors that the owner has been advised to close the business."

The closure may only be temporary - but Mr Gunton was unavailable for comment before the Northwich Guardian went to press yesterday, Tuesday.

Meanwhile an angry Northwich mum has called on Vale Royal Borough Council to step in and help run the place.

Carol Riley, of Slade Street, whose husband Paul and nine-year-old son Dean regularly use the rink, said the council should reopen it for the sake of the children.

"How many times have we heard the council saying they don't want children on the streets. What we as parents want to know is what are the council going to do about it," she said.

"It's not just a hobby to some of these children, it's a sport. My son goes at least four times a week. He was absolutely gutted when he heard. He just sat there on the sofa not moving. It's his life.

"Some of these children just live for skating. It's just school and skating, they think of nothing else," she added.

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