AN ICY winter is on offer to residents who get their skates on.

People will be able to experience outdoor skating in Bromley town centre after planning permission was granted for a temporary ice rink to be run by the council.

It will be located in Queens Gardens, between The Glades shopping centre and Kentish Way, from November 27 to January 8.

This is the first time an outdoor rink has been built in Bromley's town centre and follows the success of similar attractions in Crystal Palace and Greenwich last year.

Planning permission has also been granted for a marquee with an area for skate hire, a cloakroom and catering facilities.

If it is successful the rink will return next year and in 2008.

Bromley town centre manager Ian Payne said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for young and old to enjoy the experience of ice skating as part of their Christmas celebrations.

"I'm sure this will be an exciting addition to the town's usual Christmas festivities."

Portfolio holder for local economy Councillor Colin Bloom said: "This ice rink provides an opportunity for family leisure activity in a safe and managed environment at a time of the year when Queens Gardens would not be used.

"Creating a more attractive destination will bring more visitors to the town."

The rink will be open from 9am to 9.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.

Opposition to the scheme from nearby residents included concerns about an increase in traffic, noise from people skating and the potential for vandalism.

But councillors at the development control committee meeting, which granted permission for the rink on August 29, decided the benefits to the borough outweighed any possible negatives.