The Sobell Centre is a wonderful resource for our borough, which, over the years, the community has had to fight hard to keep open. Now we may have to fight, again, to make sure the facilities offered there are actually what we want.
The ice-rink has been closed there since the flood from Thames Water’s burst water main, last year, but rather than reinstating it the Council is proposing to abandon it in favour of more soft play and activity areas. However their arguments don’t feel to be based on convincing evidence, either for how many people used to use the ice-rink, how many might really be encouraged into greater activity by their proposed replacement, or its projected costs and benefits.
A consultation process is now open, until 7th July, to hear what you think.
The council suggests ice-skaters would go to the Ally Pally or Lee Valley rinks instead of the Sobell. If you’re an ice-skater, would you go that far? They suggest the softplay and activity areas will be a ‘gateway’ to get more people more active than would play more conventional sports. Do you agree? They suggest high costs for both refitting the rink and running it but surely the refit should be paid for by Thames Water or their insurance? And new equipment would be more efficient than the old?
To get the most out of the Sobell, it’s vital the community tells them what sport or leisure facilities we’d really like to see installed there. Let the council hear your opinion at www.letstalk.islington.gov.uk/sobell-project. Your voice is important!
Cllr Benali Hamdache, Islington Green Party
