Management at Harvie’s Ice Rink wish to reassure concerned parents that a reduced security presence at the facility will not affect safety.

G4S currently provides security at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre during the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday skate sessions. But management at the Stevenston rink have decided to axe the G4S staff this year during the Saturday and Sunday sessions.

Worried parents have expressed their concerns, but management at the KA Leisure facility have confirmed that ice stewards will still be present, and that extra staff and first aiders will also be provided. They have also confirmed that there will still be the usual G4S presence at the Friday night disco, when the rink is at its busiest.

But when local dad, Jim Amygdalias, expressed his concerns on Facebook, his post received numerous comments and shares from other parents also worried about the reduced G4S presence.

Jim told the Herald: “One of the stewards informed me last weekend that they got wished a Merry Christmas, then got told they would only be required for Friday nights now. This means only an ice steward is available. They can’t remove kids or control any fighting or so on.

“I am honestly not amused. It’s apparently about cash, the normal.

“It’s the only place that kids can feel safe. You can wander in and out with ease, and not be challenged. I’ve went there since I was a kid. The problem is that things have changed since then.”

He added: “What’s the difference between a Friday night and a Saturday night? If they’re only going to offer them [G4S] a Friday night then it’s not going to be worth their while.

“The security, they know who who all the folk are and who their kids are. What will happen now is all the kids that are not allowed in there will be sneaking back in.

“If my wee lassie ended up wandering out there with someone, they would clock that right away, they’re extremely vigilant.”

However, a member of staff urged parents to contact the centre if they were worried and said that management would be happy to alleviate any concerns.

The staff member added: “G4S will be there on a Friday. Our Friday night is our busy night. Saturday and Sunday, it’s mostly families that are there.

“It’s more beneficial to provide additional staffing for the likes of first aid. If any parents are concerned get them to give us a call.”