The decision has been taken not to reopen a town's ice rink this year – though it will reopen next year.

Lockerbie ice rink will not reopen this year, after careful consideration from its management.

However, it has been stressed that the ice rink will reopen next season, in October next year.

The South of Scotland Ice Rink Club has been in touch "constantly" with local curling clubs to gauge interest.

The club has said that numbers were much reduced, which has impacted on its income.

It takes three weeks to produce the ice, and maintaining it has large running costs.

This expenditure is the same regardless of the number of people through the door, the club has added.

The reduction in income and high expenditure meant that it would have been too big a risk to reopen.

Along with the financial risks there was also the wellbeing of our customers and staff to take into account.

The club added: "Keeping everybody safe has to be our main priority.

"Coronavirus levels are low at the moment in Dumfries and Galloway but we are situated between two high level areas in Cumbria and central Scotland where stricter restrictions are in place.

"Therefore, the decision was made to cancel the 2020/21 season rather than taking the risk of reopening and potentially having to close again, as has happened with ice rinks in other areas of Scotland.

"Lockerbie ice rink is an important part of the local community.

"We are putting in place the framework to continue providing Curling and Skating at Lockerbie Ice Rink and we aim to be back refreshed and raring to go in October 2021 and we look forward to welcoming back old friends and making many more new ones.

"Although we will not be Curling or Skating the doors will still be open and Jodie’s café will be serving food and drink, sit in and takeaway, all year round as normal."