Over 300 local residents formed a human ring around Ryde Arena on Wednesday as they ramped up the protests against the closure of their rink.
A financial dispute between Ryde Arena Ltd (RAL) and investment firm AEW Europe, which represents the leaseholder Bank of New York Mellon, resulted in bailiffs moving in to repossess the facility last week.
Wightlink Raiders were forced to cancel last weekend’s games as talks between the two parties continued, while this Saturday’s cup tie against Invicta Dynamos has been switched to Gosport Ice Rink.
In our latest Twitter Talk feature, we take a look at the reaction to the closure and Wednesday’s protest:
Greedy bankers @BNYMellon @IRMagazine force closure of Ryde community Rink, on the Isle of Wight, hundreds of children left devestated
— Rich Curtis (@richiow) October 8, 2016
A picture that says it all. Junior @wightlinkraider locked out of @RydeArena pic.twitter.com/yIdNeI2Zm7
— IWCP sport (@iwcpsport) October 9, 2016
Another ice rink at risk – please sign the petition. Isle of Wight council : Save our Rink! https://t.co/Ya9dTuVcDO via @UKChange
— maureen smyth (@mosmyth) October 11, 2016
Thanks to @PlanetIceUK for helping @wightlinkraider this weekend in Gosport. Don’t count us out just yet! #raidershockey
— Jeremy Cornish (@jeremycornish11) October 11, 2016
Everyone out together fighting for @RydeArena to be reopened to the public #LeaseStatesitMust #SaveOurRink pic.twitter.com/lDV4SGcEhd
— Wayne Whittle (@RydeAbide) October 12, 2016
NEWS: Supporters taking part in #linktherink at Ryde Arena. pic.twitter.com/hU1AsbJelt
— Isle of Wight Radio (@iwightradio) October 12, 2016
Ryde Ice Rink protest this evening. We can’t lose public areas like this! #ryde #isleofwight @RydeAbide pic.twitter.com/zMEpaG4VSx
— Andrew (@n0rbie) October 12, 2016
Looks like a good turnout for the #Linkaroundtherink demonstration to show how many people value a rink on the Isle of Wight https://t.co/LXHABzyUjY
— Nick Hayman (@StripeyHayman) October 12, 2016
#IsleofWight: Hundreds turn out in protest over Ryde Arena closure https://t.co/XP3HLjTsQk
— IW County Press (@iwcponline) October 12, 2016
#linktherink #IsleofWight #Rydearena #icerink #icehockey #iceskating #figureskating ?⛸?⛸?⛸ pic.twitter.com/HL2mJ3xjC6
— Shaunna Hall (@shaunnahall90) October 12, 2016
Team & supporters out in strength at Ryde Ice Rink #linktherink #iow #IceHockey #iceskating pic.twitter.com/rPpsvIiq5Z
— Felicity Young (@nursefelicity) October 12, 2016
What an incredible effort from the Isle of Wight skaters and hockey for Link Around the Rink. Incredible stuff. pic.twitter.com/68HdEiNxBp
— Richard Carpenter (@Carpohockey) October 12, 2016
