BORED of having nothing to do in their home town, two schoolgirls have launched a petition to open an ice rink in Orpington.
Skating enthusiasts Charlotte Jones, who goes to Wilmington Grammar School for Girls and Ellie Walker, who goes to Dartford Grammar School , want to see an ice rink closer to home.
The girls, who started ice skating a year and a half ago, have to travel 40 minutes to Gillingham to pursue their hobby.
Charlotte, of Court Road, Orpington, said: “There are a lot of young people around here but not a lot of activities. There’s the swimming pool and that’s it.
“We started the petition because we thought if we could find more people who thought it was a good idea there might be more chance of it happening.”
Ellie, of Sevenoaks Road, Pratts Bottom, added: “It’s so much fun and it’s a bit different. It’s a really social as well so it’s a good way for young people to keep fit."
They have so far collected about 100 signatures on paper have also started an online petition, as well as writing to Orpington MP Jo Johnson about their ideas.
The pair have even come up with potential spots for the rink, suggesting an empty space at Crittal’s Corner, or in an empty factory in Nugent shopping park.
Mum Rebecca Jones said: “I think it’s a really good idea. They’ve taken a grown up approach and they have thought everything through and come up with some good ideas.
“There aren’t many constructive things for them to do in Orpington. It doesn’t seem to get much development.”
Last year’s Dancing on Ice runner-up Laura Hamilton, who grew up in Meopham, Kent, has backed the idea.
She said: “The south east needs more ice rinks so Orpington would be a great place to have one. Ice skating is such a great sport and hobby and a brilliant way of keeping fit.”
Her Canadian partner Colin Ratushniak said: "I was lucky enough to grow up where ice rinks are everywhere.
"Ice skating is such a fun way to meet people, keep fit and for the determined ones, professionally perform in shows around the world! More ice rinks the better!"
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