OFFICIALS have been accused of being “short-sighted” amid protests over the temporary closure of Slough ice rink.

In an email leaked to the Observer, sent by Roger Parkin, strategic director of customer and community services, to Slough Borough Councillors, he claimed Special People on Ice (SPICE) were the predominant group unhappy about the temporary closure of Slough’s ice rink.

As previously reported, the rink is due to close in October for nine months for a £7.7 million refurbishment.

The email disclosed how the majority of residents and groups the council has consulted with, accept the temporary closure.

It only names SPICE – a volunteer-run club which teaches children and young adults with additional needs – as the club which has asked for a temporary solution, while raising concerns about the cost and the state of the ice pad.

It also describes ice rink users, including Slough Jets hockey team, as “very engaged and supportive of the council’s plans”.

However, Steve English, director of operations for Slough Jets, which boasts 800 regular fans and 1,200 playing members, described the claim as “short-sighted”.

He said: “It’s going to affect all groups, hundreds of children and adults – from OAPs all the way down.

“The council isn’t looking at the bigger picture. We’re talking about athletes and players who represent their county – my son included – who basically have no where to go.”

When a recreational user communicated her concerns with the council, the response from Ruth Bagley, chief executive of the council, began “Dear SPICE Supporter,” despite the fact she is not part of the group.

In a statement from the ice rink in February, Matt Schofield, the ice arena’s general manager, said the all the groups combine to contribute almost half of its annual turnover.

A council spokeswoman said: “As a council we are prepared to work with all people using the ice rink to deliver the best facility we can.”