Oakengates Christmas ice-rink plans are melting
Monday 8th November 2010, 9:27AM GMT.
Hopes for a spectacular ice-rink during the Christmas lights switch-on in a Shropshire town are melting fast. Not a single donation has been made towards the plan, organisers said today.
Traders in Oakengates in Telford are desperate to raise £1,500 for the mobile rink planned for the switch-on on November 26.
But today Christine Orford, chairman of Oakengates Chamber of Trade, said she has not received a single donation towards it and said there was just 72 hours until the deadline for payment runs out.
“No one has come forward and it is such a shame. It would be great for the town and traders.
“I had one call from someone expressing an interest, but as yet we have received no money. I have called all of the big businesses, like the supermarkets, and they have offered raffle prizes but no money.
“We really need to have the money by Wednesday, or Thursday at the latest, so time is running out.”
The idea, dubbed Oakenskates, was a winner with residents and traders when it was first suggested last month.
It was planned to site the rink outside The Place @ Oakengates Theatre where families could enjoy the facility during the lights switch-on ceremony.
Mrs Orford said: “If 20 businesses contributed, it would only cost £75 each.
“This is a last push to get the money together.”
Local businesses and traders can pledge their support for the festive ice-rink by contacting Mrs Orford on (01952) 274871.
UK News
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Typical of local traders, out for what they can get over Christmas, but not willing to put back, no wonder people shop elsewhere and buildings get boarded up.
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Kev i cant agree with you more.
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You are right Kev, I can remember when Oakengates was a thriving little market town but not anymore it is all restaurant, charity shops and pubs.
You would think they would donate a little bit, there are enough traders to make up £1500 easily plus it should pull in some trade during the festival season.
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Makes you wonder what Oakengates Chamber of Trade is all about! Traders are desperate – does’nt sound like it.
Another of these organisations that wear chains of office etc, hold banquets and speak for no one.
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LOL UNLUCKY
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And the reason such an ice rink would be viable within ten minutes of Telford Ice Rink would be… what, exactly?
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It would that people would shop in Oakengates, rather that the Telford Shopping Centre. A few quid off each trader wouldn’t hurt for the return they may gain, even new customers which would visit Oakengates because of taking family and friends. It’s new and regular customers these traders should be looking for, you have to ask and show willing in this World, no one comes knocking your door, you have to knock theirs.
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