Families blast car park ice rink 'full of puddles that can only fit five people'
A SHOPPING centre’s festive ice rink has come under fire from Christmas shoppers who say it’s barely bigger than a postage stamp and is littered with puddles.
The attraction, located in the car park of Three Spires centre in Lichfield, Staffs, has sparked a torrent of complaints on social media.
This festive ice rink has come under fire from Christmas shoppers who say it’s barely bigger than a postage stamp and is littered with puddlesShopping centre visitors receive a free skating session if they spend £20 while others can pay £3 for a twenty-minute session.
Parents claim it has not frozen properly leading to children skating "through slush" while others simply brand it "rubbish".
Writing on Facebook, Suz Neill said: "I have to say that it's a great idea and glad Lichfield did it but if you're over 4ft tall you're not going to do a lot of skating on a postage stamp ice rink.
"Great for the kiddies, would have been nicer if bigger."
Rich Parsons said: "Five people at a time due to health and safety, I bet! My mid-terrace house garden's wider than that!"
Baffled mum Lindsey Marie Fosu said: "It's plastic and lots of puddles on it.
"Really excited to try it with my daughter, but only lasted five minutes due to excess water and leaves on it.
"A bit disappointing."
David Crisp commented: "Thought someone had dumped a whiteboard."
David Trivett said: "Ice rink? I've slipped on a bigger frozen puddle."
Dad-of-two David Harris, 45, said: "It's like something from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights. My kids said the rink was slushy and they got bored after two minutes.
"My eight-year-old daughter came off after her turn and just said 'it's rubbish.' I have to say I agree."
Others were more positive.
Carlotte Harborne wrote: "Kids will love it and ultimately that's who this is aimed at."
A shopping centre spokesperson said: “All at Three Spires Shopping Centre are pleased to host the ice rink for the Christmas shopping period. The event is aimed primarily at children with penguin skating aids available for the younger skater, although all are welcome to skate. So as not to exclude shoppers, skating sessions are also available at £3 per twenty minute session.
“We have utilised our Centre Management Office car park to bring this event to shoppers to add to the Christmas shopping experience. The ice rink is approximately 100 metres square, allowing up to 30 people to safely skate at any one time.
“We understand that there have been some negative comments posted on Facebook, but similarly we have been heartened by the huge number of comments from shoppers and parents who have enjoyed this free festive activity.”
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"Three Spires Shopping Centre does not have a dedicated promotional or events area, we are in fact similar to a pedestrianised high street.
"We have utilised our Centre Management Office car park to bring this event to shoppers to add to the Christmas shopping experience.
"We feel sure that both adults and children alike will enjoy this addition to what is already a very attractive shopping experience here in Lichfield."
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