MORE than seven months after plans for an Olympic-sized ice rink in Bournemouth were approved by civic chiefs, a councillor has voiced fears that the multi-million pound scheme could be facing “meltdown”.

Cllr Ron Whittaker, vice-chairman of the council’s planning board, has warned that the delay in getting the scheme off the ground could jeopardise the proposed centre for ice sports at King’s Park.

The Daily Echo understands that three developers are interested in investing in the ambitious leisure project which would encompass a rink, with seating for up to 5,000 spectators, other indoor leisure facilities as well as catering accommodation and changing rooms.

A floodlit games area and synthetic turf pitches for football, netball, tennis and hockey are also being proposed with two existing football pitches relocated elsewhere in the park.

Despite objections from local residents, an outline application by the council for the scheme was given the go-ahead on October 18 last year.

Cllr Whittaker, who has campaigned for ice skating facilities in the town for more than two decades, will be demanding answers at Tuesday’s full council meeting.

He told the Daily Echo: “New ice skating facilities should be the top priority for this town but, after all these years, I’ll believe it when I see it.

“It’s so frustrating and my biggest worry is that the developers who want to invest in the ice rink plans will lose interest because of the prolonged delays.

“We need an all-weather leisure attraction in Bournemouth; last weekend’s dismal bank holiday weather demonstrated that.”

Cllr Whittaker stressed that, because of his long involvement in the ice rink plans, he had not taken part in or voted during last autumn’s planning board debate.

The council’s deputy leader Cllr John Beesley said: “We are well on track in inviting potential operators to come forward with their proposals.

“As this is a large and detailed public contract, we are legally obliged to follow European procurement rules which means there is a set process and time frame for advertising and selecting a suitable contractor.”

He added: “The council will continue to do everything possible to bring this facility to King’s Park for residents and visitors to Bournemouth.”