A figure skating club from Coventry said it is “gutted” to be closing after 14 years.
The community run, not-for-profit club, said it had to dissolve after losing rink time at Planet Ice Coventry earlier this year.
A spokesperson said the club has been a big part of the city’s sporting and community life and its members are “heartbroken” at the loss.
More than forty skaters gathered for a farewell party on Friday, in what the club said was a reflection of the “sense of belonging” the club had created.
The club used to rent time on the rink from Planet Ice for an hour every Saturday.
The group said it had tried to negotiate ice time with Planet Ice and International School of Skating, but neither businesses felt in a position to support the club to continue.
A spokesperson said: “The club has supported skaters of all ages and abilities, running affordable and fun skating sessions, and fundraising for charities such as Acorns Children’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Unfortunately, after losing our ice time earlier this year, we were unable to continue, despite strong member support.”
They added: “Our members are heartbroken but proud of what CFSC achieved, and we feel our story deserves to be shared as part of Coventry’s local sporting and community history.”
The BBC has contacted Planet Ice and International School of Skating for comment.
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