Douglas police have praised the Sure Skate ice rink for its positive impact on the community.

More than 31,000 people took to the ice during the eight weeks that Sure Skate was open at the Villa Marina Gardens.

Sgt Ged Power, who patrols Douglas town centre, said: “To have the island community involved in such a positive, healthy way is marvellous and a real benefit. I know that projects like this contribute to the lower crime levels that we are enjoying, and it is interesting to note that the crime figures for December were extremely low. The engagement of young people which Sure Skate has inspired just gives the local area a ‘feel good’ factor.

“Sure Skate at the Villa Marina has been great fun for everybody involved and it has been a real pleasure to police Douglas town centre whilst the rink has been in use. It is truly excellent that so many young people have been skating and the rink was always busy when I popped by on foot patrol.”

The rink was opened on 24 November by ITV’s Dancing on Ice winner and former England rugby player Kyran Bracken and, in the first week alone 5,000 people visited. Over the following weeks the rink provided fun for families and friends, a great escape from Christmas shopping and a novel venue for corporate events and parties.

It had been due to close on 3 January, but demand from islanders was so great that it was kept open for an extra two weeks, finally closing on Monday, 18 January.

Mike Stanton, Country Manager of Sure Isle of Man, said: “We are very proud to have been involved in something that has been both popular and positive for the community, and I can only thank islanders for their support and for making it such a success.

“This is the first time that Sure have sponsored rinks here, and in Guernsey and Jersey, and we are absolutely delighted that it has been such a success in all three islands.”

The rink, which took two days to install using 50,000 litres of frozen water, was organised in conjunction with Kyran Bracken’s Ice Party and sponsors Sure and Nokia Siemens Networks.