The site has been subject to a controversial planning application to build luxury apartments which was passed by the City Council in 2006 and subsequently overturned by central government later in the year.

Roberta said on her own website http://www.roberta.org.uk

“I have been running a public consultation to gather views on what people would like to see on this site and have received an enormous amount of positive feedback. People have been telling me overwhelmingly that they want quality recreational facilities particularly for young people in Durham.”

If you think an ice rink should be redeveloped on the site, email mail@roberta.org.uk or write to Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, The Miner’s Hall, Redhills, Durham, DH1 4BD