THE owner of a skating rink, which has shut due to financial problems, has blamed the closure on schools and youth groups.

David Gunton sent letters to youth organisations and every school in Cheshire at the end of February warning them that SK8 Madness was in danger of closing.

But he claims that not one school rung to ask about booking a visit - or even acknowledged his letter.

"Surely introducing children to skating in their local area would be more beneficial than riding roller-coasters at Alton Towers," he said.

"This is a wonderful facility for children and grown-ups. It's a way of keeping the children off the streets."

The park, on Old Warrington Road in Northwich, closed suddenly two weeks ago. Mr Gunton owes Vale Royal Borough Council, who own the site, £55,000 in rates and £3,000 rent.

"The main problem is that we just don't have enough people coming through the door," he added.

At the time of its closure, SK8 Madness had 4,500 members but Mr Gunton said it needs twice that many to survive.

He remains confident the park can be saved, claiming the fact that it had 50,000 visitors last year proved members returned time after time.

"We want everybody, schools, youth clubs and organisations to support us," he added.

"We need your help."

If you want to help, ring Vivien Kandel at the Guardian on 01606 43333.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.