I AND many others totally agree with Arthur Sutherland that York should have a permanent ice-rink (Letters, January 17).

I'm involved with the York Whitehawks roller hockey club. We currently have about 40 members, including under-14s and senior teams and a beginners' session.

Our members are talented, enthusiastic and devoted to roller hockey, most never missing a training session on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Both our 14s and 16s teams got through to the nationals last year. This was a fantastic achievement for the York area as they were competing against teams from Sheffield, Hull and Rotherham who all not only have numerous roller facilities but ice-rinks too! York has always been at a disadvantage.

York has got Great Britain players, superleague players in both the male and female leagues, and also members who have been involved with ice hockey at Hull.

Parents, including myself, have spent years travelling to other cities in order for our children to skate. York is a beautiful city, but most feel it only caters for tourists and housing.

We have got a lot of talented kids in our area who want to skate, but not the facilities.

Whitehawks are based at Oaklands School, Acomb, bearing in mind this is now the only York venue that allows skating.

I appeal not only for York Whitehawks, but for other roller hockey members from the city who play for Snaith Stormers, York and Ryedale Tigers and Hull Ice. You provide the ice-rink and we will provide the ready-made York ice hockey teams.

The temporary rink has proved to be a success. Why not make it permanent? It would not only suit our needs but give other children the exercise and a leisure facility that they would enjoy, deterring them from the streets.

Adele Brolly,

Danebury Drive,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 09:41 Saturday, January 21, 2006