A Christmas ice rink has left a local authority £72,000 in the red after ticket sales flopped.

Canterbury City Council has admitted income generated from the festive attraction was "significantly lower" than expected - leaving taxpayers footing the bill to break even.

But despite the disappointing numbers, the city council is planning to have a second and third stab at the project as it looks to run a rink in the Dane John Gardens for the next two years.

Hopeful authority officers say reviews of the venue were "overwhelmingly positive" and believe they now have good grounding to turn the temporary attraction into a money-maker.

They forecast a 16% increase in ticket sales for year two, and a 20% increase for year three.

A report on the project was yesterday shared with city councillors - who are due to discuss proposals over its future next Monday.

Compiled by head of commercial and cultural development Caroline Cooper, the review focuses on both what went well and not so well.

It reads: "The late decision to proceed with the rink led to a significant number of potential opportunities being missed, as well as the initial cynicism from the general public about whether it would indeed materialise. Neither of these challenges would be in existence in year two.

"While there is a small number of final bills outstanding, the delivery costs for Canterbury on Ice appear to have been broadly in line with the forecast, and final costs are expected to be about £8,000 under budget.

"However, lower than expected ticket revenues and concessions rental income has meant that the final income is significantly lower than forecast. Giving a final subsidy level of approximately £72,000."

Turnout with students at the rink was lower than anticipated, and the council blames slow ticket sales on previous bad press for its failed attempts to launch the skating arena by private sector providers in 2017 and 2018.

It also says sponsorship sales did not pick up until the rink build was well underway.

In total, more than 16,000 people took to the ice during December, with 46.5% coming from outside the district. Tickets prices stood at £12.50 per adult, £9 per child, or £38 for a family ticket.

Ms Cooper adds: "The licensing authorities had concerns about the event attracting increased levels of anti-social behaviour into the park. This led to stringent licensing conditions limiting the offer and incurring increased costs for security officers."

In planning ahead for this year, the council will look to install CCTV cameras and provide better lighting in the Dane John.

It also wants to install power units in the gardens in a bid to tackle climate concerns. Last year, two generators powered the rink by churning through 25,300 litres of diesel, while estimated water usage was 46,000 litres but the final water bill has not yet been received.

In total, there were 48 incidents on the ice - with the majority resulting in cuts or bruises.

Six people did however suffer suspected fractures or dislocations, one of which was deemed "severe" and required an ambulance called to site.

The council says unforeseen damage was dealt to the gardens by security and first aid vehicles driving onto the grass near to the fountain and bandstand.

Chief executive of the Canterbury Business Improvement District, Lisa Carslon, says the whole city benefited from the ice rink.

"It was a fantastic addition to Canterbury this festive period," she said.

"It gave people more reason to come to the city, spend time and enjoy what the city has on offer - for locals and visitors alike. The ice rink is now an essential part of the Christmas offering and we look forward to its return in 2020."

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