HUNDREDS of town centre shoppers enjoyed a stop-off at Burnley’s new ice rink over the weekend.

The synthetic mini-arena, in St James’ Street, has been installed for £14,000 by council bosses who hope it will make the town centre more festive and boost Christmas trade.

And the rink, which opened on Saturday, was given a big thumbs up by onlookers and skaters alike.

Karen Bullock, 50, of Queen Victoria Road, said: “I think it’s a really good idea. It gets the kids active and it might bring people into the town centre.

“There is already one in Blackburn but now there’s one here too people might just come down and shop as well.”

Sheila Masterson, 66, of Padiham Road, said: “I think it’s lovely, although I would probably break my neck on there.

“I have never seen one in Burnley before but I think it’s great for the kids and I am sure it will lead to more money being spent in the town centre.”

Ray Ince, 35, of Burnley Road, Padiham, who was skating with his daughters, said: “I have lived in Padiham all my life and I have never seen this kind of thing in Burnley before.

“It will get kids off the street so it’s about time for it.”

Jean O’Connor, 60, of Gainsborough Avenue, “We need something like this or a half-pipe for the kids - it’s ideal.

“Part of this area of town is dying so it definitely needs something like this.”

Mandy Edwards, 37, of Waddington Avenue, who was watching her son skate, said: “It seems like it’s really good fun for the kids and it keeps them out of trouble.

“My daughter and me have been skating in Manchester and Blackburn and it’s good that Burnley is now competing.”

Meanwhile, councillors have said the rink will lend a touch of the Big Apple to Burnley.

Coun Roger Frost, executive member with responsibility for the facility, said: “This will be just like Christmas should be and it’s the type of thing kids will love.

“The Parker Lane and St James Street site is a really good place for it, right in the middle of town – it will be just like New York.

“It will be a risk with the threat of anti-social behaviour but it should be worth it because it will get people in the festive spirit and it will be good for town centre shopping too.”

Police chiefs have also backed the scheme, saying they do not expect anti-social behaviour to mar its presence in the town centre.

The rink is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day until January 4.