HUNDREDS of people were left disappointed at the weekend after Evesham’s temporary ice rink, described as “a diabolical mess” by the mayor, was cancelled at the last minute.

The rink, which has been set up in Market Square to great acclaim for the past few years, failed to open to the public on Friday after safety concerns were not addressed.

Evesham mayor Jim Bulman and town clerk Frank Green said the town had been “badly let down” by contractors Helen Bishton Skate Spectacular.

“We have organised the rink for the past two years with the same company and never had any problems, but the rink which was used this time was different,” the clerk said.

“The panels which formed the floor of the rink were sticking up and were trip hazards, and those at the side of the rink were also unstable.

“The rink was inspected on Friday by councillors Jim Bulman and Martin Hammon and found to be unsafe, and the contractor was asked to rectify the safely issues.

“Attempts were made but after further inspection on Saturday morning safety concerns still remained.”

Mayor of Evesham Jim Bulman said: “It was a diabolical mess. The town council feels badly let down by the contractor which provides the facility.

“The ice rink was supposed to be the centrepiece for the whole weekend, which was totally ruined. It’s a huge disappointment.

I know how much distress it will have caused local children because they would have been really looking forward to it.”

Owner Ronald Bishton said he had sent a different rink this year because the floor of Market Square was uneven and he had hoped to make the area more level.

“It’s just gone pear shaped,”

he said. “I was not there myself so I don’t know what’s gone wrong. I’m just very disappointed with what’s happened.

I’m gutted. I have offered to provide the council with another rink at a reduced rate, maybe in the New Year.”