AMBITIOUS proposals to build an ice stadium complex in Bournemouth have won strong public support.

More than 1,900 residents completed questionnaires and gave their views on the multi-million-pound scheme proposed for Kings Park.

Some 77 per cent of residents living within two miles of Kings Park and 86 per cent of other residents in the town said they would definitely or probably support the proposals.

Councillors now look likely to request further details on the traffic, environmental and planning impact of the scheme following the public consultation exercise.

Almost all respondents believed there would be some advantages to having the facility in Bournemouth and many felt locating the Olympic-sized rink and other sporting facilities at Kings Park could help regenerate Boscombe.

But a significant number of residents also expressed concerns over the impact of extra traffic on Kings Park and the fact that the scheme does not include any provision for extra parking.

Fears were also expressed over the impact that the proposed development would have on Kings Park primary school.

The results of the consultation will be presented to members of the Bournemouth and Poole Economic Overview Panel on Thursday. (DEC 11) And on Wednesday, December 17, cabinet members will be recommended to progress the plans by approving further work. Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: “There has been great support for the ice stadium at Kings Park but there are a number of major concerns that must now be considered by the cabinet.

“Any decision on whether to progress with the plans for an ice stadium at Kings Park will not simply be based on a majority vote.

“It is important to understand that the ice stadium would not be a council development. Ultimately, if the council agree the use of the land, the construction and operation of the ice stadium would then be dependent on the developers and operators raising the finance to undertake the project.”