NORTH Ayrshire’s only ice rink is set to shut for a month for improvements to the ice.

The Auchenharvie Leisure Centre rink will close just after the Easter Holidays in order to undergo maintenance which will make the state-of-the-art facility that bit better.

KA Leisure’s report, which came before North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet this week, stated that the routine repairs would take place in June.

But it has now emerged that it would be before that when the work would be carried out, the first work since the refurbishment of the facilities in 2011.

During the works, issues with the ventilation system at the Stevenston centre will be looked at as they have had a negative effect on the amount of people participating in curling.

The council is engaging with a specialist to review both the ice quality and the ventilation system that is in place.

A KA Leisure spokesperson said: “As part of our normal maintenance programme, we are planning to carry out a small number of works at the ice rink at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre.

“We’re sure these works will be welcome by all ice sports groups who use the rink.

“The scope of the works includes removing the ice and repainting the colours on the pad before restoring the ice surface.

“It would appear that the current ventilation system is impacting on the production of quality ice for curling.

“Therefore, KA Leisure are working with both North Ayrshire Council and the local curling clubs to identify a solution.

“As part of this process, North Ayrshire Council are engaging with a mechanical and electrical specialist consultant.”

The ice rink will close to the public on April 18 and is set to reopen on May 29.

The dates are subject to change, however, due to the availability of contractors who will be working with the council and KA Leisure.