A decision on the future of the Romford Leisure Centre is due to be made next week.

Havering Council is currently working with local skating groups to help them to keep skating after the closure of the ice rink.

Cllr Michael White, leader of the council, has been talking to Malcolm Burnett, chairman of the Keep Romford Skating group, about how to keep people skating.

nd the council is in talks with other nearby ice rink operators to discuss options for the teams to continue skating while waiting for the plans for Romford Leisure Centre development to progress.

Last week, the council said that it had secured ice-time for the under 16s team at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink, and that it is also paying for ice-time at Chelmsford Ice Rink to allow them to train ahead of the national finals in May.

Havering’s regulatory services committee will meeting next Tuesday at the town hall to discuss planning applications for the new development.

If it is passed it will be referred to the Greater London Authority and Secretary of State as part of the decision-making process.

If it is approved the council hopes to start work on site later this year and to complete it in 2015.

Cllr Michael White said: “We know the next few years will be difficult for the teams, and we’re doing everything we can to help them keep skating. If the planning applications are passed, we hope to start work on the development as soon as possible, so that everyone can start making use of the fantastic facilities that will be available.

“That will include swimming, skating, using the gym, or just visiting the café, so there will be something for everyone.”

Malcolm Burnett, chairman of the Keep Romford Skating group, said: “We are of course very pleased with this development. However, this is the beginning and we must now put every effort into securing long-term ice for the clubs so as they are ready to fit into the new rink as soon as it is open.

“We look forward to working with the council to secure the future of ice skating in Romford.”