LAST week's Messenger reported that planning permission had been granted for houses upon the site of the 42 year old ice rink in Devonshire Road which is due to close next April. There were apparently no objections.

Although the regular patrons were unaware of this meeting, 9,000-plus people are pinning their hopes on a new skating facility in the area for families, teenagers, disability groups, hockey skaters, speed skaters, figure skaters and ice dancers.

Altrincham Ice Rink is known worldwide, let us hope that the star continues to shine.

Joan Slater,

address supplied.