THOUSANDS of people have signed a petition to try and save Ayr Ice Rink from closure - just 24 hours after the campaign was launched. 

The venue's managing director, Andrew Kerr, announced earlier this week that the rink will close at the end of September due to spiralling energy costs.

The petition, which was launched on Tuesday by Savannah Cuff, has over 3,500 signatures already.

The building, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in February, has been open for more than 50 years and is used by 40 curling clubs and more than 500 skating members.

According to its owners, Ayr Curlers Ltd, three full-time and three-part time staff will be made redundant, with the jobs of seasonal staff also lost, if the venue is forced to close.

The petition reads: "Ayr Ice Rink has been situated at Limekiln Road since 1972.

Read More: Man appears in court accused of sexually assaulting woman at her home in Ayr

"This is home to Kyle Figure Skating Club, Ayr Figure Skating Club, Ayr Curling Club and Ayr Bruins Junior Ice Hockey. 

"The potential closure of Ayr Ice Rink could have a devastating impact on South Ayrshire's children and adults, we will see reduced physical activity, socialisation, mental stimulation alongside the loss of a safe, friendly and welcoming space for many.

"A joint collaborative approach from all who use Ayr Ice Rink to #saveayricerink is needed now more than ever!

"Please like and share this story, we will update you all on any progress and on any upcoming events that will hopefully save our rink!"

Among those expressing the hope that the venue can be spared are Team GB Olympic ice dancer and British champion Lewis Gibson and TV sports journalist Lee McKenzie.

Lewis said he was "absolutely devastated" to hear the news of the rink's financial troubles, posting on Twitter to say it was where his "dreams began". 

 

 

And Lee, who grew up in Ayr and went to school at Ayr Academy, also expressed her hope that the venue can be saved.

Retweeting Lewis's plea for the public to sign the petition, Lee recalled getting her Grade 2 skating badge at the venue.

 

 

Mr Kerr said the "unprecedented increase in energy costs", which he said were "the consequences of Mr Putin's war in Ukraine", had left Ayrshire Curlers Ltd with an energy bill of £153,000 for the last financial year - and facing a 110 per cent increase in the size of their bill for 2023-24.

For more information and to sign the petition click here