WORK to repair Blackburn’s ice rink is successfully gliding along.

Planet Ice shut in May to repair a small hump which had appeared in the ice rink in Lower Audley Street.

The 2,600 seater stadium has been closed for several weeks while workers removed the ice pad and replaced roughly six kilometres of piping.

A new trench on the east side of the rink has also been dug to help with the underfloor cooling and heating systems.

The hump, which was found near to the centre of the rink, has now been removed,

The work on the far side of the rink will see its overall size decrease by a metre or two, but will still be large enough to hold competitive matches for the Blackburn Hawks, who use the arena as its home stadium.

Mark Halliwell, general manager said: “I’m really pleased all the hard work is beginning to show. We are really excited to get the rink back open for the Hawks and the public to enjoy once again.

“Details of the opening will be announced very soon.”

Anyone wanting to skate in the interim can go to Planet Ice’s sister rinks in Altrincham or Widnes. It is thought the work will help maintain the rink for decades to come.

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A Planet Ice spokesman added: “Planet Ice has been working tremendously hard on replacing the ice pad and we are getting closer to having a re- opening date. This will be announced very shortly.

“As all of the major building work will very soon be complete, this will allow us to install all new pipe work and rebuild the ice pad.

“We are hoping that the work will be completed as soon as possible ready to welcome everyone old and new back on to brand new ice.

“This is a very exciting time for all the customers and staff as the work undertaken will ensure the longevity of ice skating here for many years to come. We would like to thank all our customers for their patience and we look forward to seeing you all over the remainder of the summer and into the hockey season.”