If the doomed Sussex Ice Rink had featured in a who dunnit movie, the saga would be too predictable.

Everyone, especially the skaters, knows the council did it.

A section of Brighton and Hove City Council has always viewed the dilapidated venue as a lucrative city centre plot.

The Keep Sussex Skating statement of foreboding on behalf of the skaters (Letter, July 9, 2003), rings true. Like with the King Alfred, the intent of the council rules - how many housing units will fit the plot?

With the ice rink closed, plus the imminent closure of the King Alfred, where in the city can we find recreation and leisure outlets?

As yet, no start dates for the proposed new developments at Black Rock and Hove have been confirmed, therefore the case for stop gap facilities is valid and urgent.

Taxpayers and youngsters of our city deserve a positive answer. Come on, council, get your skates on and keep Sussex skating.

-Patricia Ginman, Keep Sussex Skating, Varndean, Brighton