THE Messenger reported that no one turned up to object to the planning application by Barratt's to build houses and flats on the Devonshire Road site of the present ice rink in Altrincham. This should not have been a surprise because, even if they informed the press, Trafford council called this meeting without properly notifying the public.

The council also omitted even to notify those many individuals - such as myself - who had written letters to them on this subject. I can only assume this was done because they knew we would oppose this planning application unless a replacement rink was first opened in Altrincham.

Such were the terms of a covenant agreed to by the present owner when he purchased the Devonshire Road ice rink. These were also the conditions that David Acton, Labour Leader of Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, had said he would strongly defend, with regard to this planning application, when he was presented with over 8,000 ice rink petition signatures in April. So much for council promises.

Every week, the ice rink brings to Altrincham hundreds of shoppers - people who also use the cafes, restaurants and other businesses while in the town. Does Altrincham's business community welcome the prospect of the demise of ice skating which will inevitably bring about a further drop in town business? Are they taking any joint action to help to prevent it?

Only if Nicky Slater receives the council and other support he is seeking for a new rink in Altrincham, recently publicised by the Messenger, will there be any future for ice skating in the Manchester, Trafford and Cheshire areas from which so many of Britain's leading ice skaters have originated.

We deserve better decisions from our councillors and officials than one that approves the unconditional removal of an ice rink which, let's face it, is not only unique to the area but is one of very few deserving, well-used, recreational attractions offered to young people in Altrincham.

Derek Empson, Malvern Road, Knutsford