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02
Jan
The company operating Harrogate Ice Rink has responded to complaints about the condition of the ice and slow refunds.
York-based Events by Cynosure is running the rink in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council tourism body Destination Harrogate.
It opened in Crescent Gardens on December 1 but adverse weather has led to its closure eight times since then – including today (January 2).
The rink's Facebook page has received numerous critical comments from people who have struggled to get refunds. Others have complained about the wet surface.
One unhappy customer, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed the conditions were unsuitable for skating on December 20.
In a letter to the organisers seen by the Stray Ferret, he said:
He said he asked to speak to a manager at about 6.40pm to voice his concerns about the state of the ice only to be told the manager had “left the site and was unavailable to speak to”, adding:
In the same letter, he also said he later approached a staff member wearing “management” uniform (pictured below) who “denied being management and would not make comment”, while “watching football on his iPhone”.
The customer said the man pictured "denied being management".
The man also claimed the quality of footwear was “extremely poor” and that “rusty blades” had not been maintained.
The man pictured his "rusty" skates.
He today told the Stray Ferret he has "heard nothing at all" since sending the letter on December 21.
Despite asking for a refund, Ms Alderson today said she has “had no update from them at all”.
Harrogate Ice Rink, which debuted in 2022, is part of a three-year deal between Events By Cynosure and Destination Harrogate.
It is set to run until Sunday, January 7, but with just two dry days forecast until then, the weather may continue to have an impact.
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