BLACKBURN Arena is set to close for two months to repair a long-term issue with the ice pad.

Operator Planet Ice said they had been aware of the issue - a hump in the centre of the rink - for some time and is something they wanted to address before the summer. The arena, which is home to Blackburn Hawks ice hockey club, will be closed to the public after May 6. The repairs are anticipated to have been completed by the end of June.

Anyone wanting to skate in the interim is encouraged to go to Planet Ice’s sister rinks in Altrincham or Widnes.

General manager Mark Halliwell said: “Myself and everyone within Planet Ice Blackburn are pleased that the ice refurbishment work will be taking place prior to this summer.

"Had it not been for Planet Ice’s due diligence and investment then Blackburn would be without an ice rink indefinitely.”

A spokesman for Planet Ice said: “Blackburn Arena has been troubled with issues relating to the ice pad for some years. The issues that have caused the ‘hump’ as it has been referred to, probably started to appear as far back as 10 years ago, and has gradually over this time increased in size.

“Planet Ice became increasingly aware of the problem after taking over Blackburn Arena in late 2015 and have engaged the Ice Rink Company to address the issues which will be the first time the ice has been removed since 1991. This means the arena will be closing after the last session on Monday, May 6, and have plans to re-open the end of June.

“For anyone wishing to ice skate during our period of closure we recommend using one of our sister rinks in either Altrincham or Widnes, details are available on-line at www.planet-ice.co.uk.”