Chapel Gate sports centre near Bournemouth airport could boast a 600 square metre ice rink this summer – if a local businessman has his way.

Boscombe cafe owner Mark Wadsley is seeking sponsorship to ensure that ice hockey could be staged at the 65-acre East Parley sporting venue.

He told the Daily Echo: “Subject to planning, the rink would be under a marquee, have proper ice and be professionally run.

“We plan to offer free parking, a shuttle bus from Bournemouth to Chapel Gate, with a host of activities running alongside the rink, which we could call Chapel Skate.

“Prices would be competitive with £3 discounted tickets for schools and £6 tickets for an hour’s skating session. The rink would be able to accommodate up to 300 skaters and open from July 3 until the second week of September.

“With other local attractions, such as Adventure Wonderland and Bournemouth Aviation Museum, we could promote the area as a little Orlando. Staff could dress up and entertain guests on the ice with shows staged while it was being cleaned.”

Mr Wadsley, 40, a member of the Chapel Gate squash club, added: “My two sons and two nephews are all good skaters and love ice hockey but the nearest rink is in Basingstoke.

“The idea started from a plan to build a small rink in my garden. After watching the rink being built in Boscombe I realised it was possible to have one at Chapel Gate.

“I know there are plans for a rink at King’s Park but there doesn’t seem any real prospect that they will get off the ground. This rink wouldn’t just be open this summer; it would be an annual attraction.”

Simon Stewart, Chapel Gate’s general manager, has backed the venture. He said: “This is a fantastic idea and we recog-nise that the local community would really benefit from having a rink here.”

If you are interested in backing the project contact Mr Wadsley on 07729 184898.