Hopes that a mystery buyer is about to take over the last ice rink in Brighton are fading.

Current owners Sherry and Roy Scott have been trying to sell the lease on the rink in Queen Square since May.

But despite reports of a potential buyer, a deal has yet to be struck.

Brighton and Hove City Council, which owns the property, said it was preparing to instruct its agents to put a Lease For Sale sign up if a deal was not signed soon.

A spokesman said: "We do have someone else who is still interested in running it as an ice rink.

"In case that deal doesn't materialise, our agents Cluttons will soon be putting up a board on the building advertising the lease."

Patricia Ginman, of Keep Sussex Skating, said: "I cannot see how the current situation can go much further.

"If they melt the ice down it will cost a huge amount to put it back and that will be the death knell. Once that happens, I think the door is open for the council to say this isn't working and build flats on the site."

The Scotts were unavailable for comment.