AN "ICE pad" costing £200,000 could be installed at Grimsby ice rink as a temporary measure to get its doors back open.
North East Lincolnshire Council has revealed the option will be considered by Cabinet members at a special meeting later this month, as the authority decides whether to press ahead with repairs.
As reported, the rink has been closed since June 6 following a failure of the cooling system.
The council has now revealed proposals to reopen the rink will be discussed by councillors at a special meeting later this month.
Options on the table include the possibility of laying a temporary "ice pad" to allow users to return.
The council said it will also look at stepping up attempts to attract a private sector partner to develop an ice rink for the area.
The report to Cabinet is expected to include options for "reviewing the charges" for users of the ice rink to help offset any additional costs associated with bringing the facility back into operation.
Councillor Mick Burnett, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: "We have said all along that we have to carefully consider all the options to ensure we get best value for money for all our residents and not just ice rink users.
"We now need to agree a structured way forward and have instructed our officers to pull together a report with all the options, and their financial implications, so we can take a decision.''
Prior to the Cabinet meeting, the council will carry out preparatory work to look at sourcing the ice pad unit to allow it to be fitted as soon as possible should councillors agree to it as a viable option.
It is understood the ice pad required for the rink could cost around £200,000 to install and run.
Engineers have been investigating the scale and costs required for the repair and replacement works for the cooling problem, along with requirements needed to comply with new European regulations that come into effect from January 2015.
From that date, the ice rink's current cooling system will become obsolete due to new legislation.
Mr Burnett added: "In terms of the options, we understand there's around a four-week lead-in time for this type of ice pad, so we're pushing ahead with that so if Cabinet decides to pursue that option, we'll be in a position to install it as soon as possible.
"And we'll also be looking at the commercial potential to bring a private sector funded new ice rink to the borough, but this must be proved to be financially sustainable before being taken forward.''
A Facebook group launched last month called Save Grimsby Ice Rink has more than 4,000 members, while a petition calling for the same has attracted over 1,000 signatures.
Successful former Grimsby skaters James Black and Kelly Hemingway are among those who have lent their support for the cause.
