North Ayrshire's only ice rink could be reopened in four weeks time after months of campaigning by the community and the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.

Auchenharvie Ice Rink's owners, KA Leisure, and North Ayrshire Council held meetings with representatives of the ice sports community last week.

Scott Campbell, chair of North Ayrshire Ice Hockey Club, said: "They've committed to opening the ice rink earlier than the initial January 2021 date.

"They're looking at opening the doors in October."

The update is welcome news and follows months of uncertainty with a new gym having opened on the rink just last week.

But Mr Campbell told the Herald that there are a 'couple of hurdles to overcome'.

He said: "KA Leisure have been given some guidance around air handling around the building that they are working on.

"And they are reliant on the government taking us into the next phase of the exit from lockdown."

Unfortunately, with coronavirus cases rising again, including in North Ayrshire, a local lockdown could see the reopening delayed.

Mr Campbell said: "That's out of everyone's control. They've only just been able to reopen the gyms, it's possible they might need to shut them down."

Figure skating clubs and representatives for curlers in North Ayrshire also met with the council and KA Leisure.

A spokesperson for Magnum Figure Skating Club said: "The Figure and Speed Skating Clubs had another very positive meeting with KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council tonight.

"They outlined their reasoning as to why decisions were made and have been working very hard behind the scenes to make sure that we can get back on the ice in the next few months, much earlier than the original date of January 2021.

"Even in the space of 24 hours, progress had been made in the logistics of getting ice back down."

North Ayrshire Council and KA Leisure have yet to confirm plans to reopen the rink.

More details in tomorrow's issue of the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.