A LONG-AWAITED dream is about to come true, says Halton Council’s leader.

Clr Rob Polhill was speaking minutes after being shown around the site of the borough’s new ice rink.

He said:”I was chuffed. To see the passion and commitment of the Silver Blades team is fantastic.

“I believe this ice rink is going to be an absolutely fantastic facility.

“This is something we have been chasing for many years. I’m glad we stuck out and waited.

“This is tremendous. It will be great for local businesses as it will draw people in from a very wide area.

“The fact that it will cater for the disabled is wonderful. It is going to be much more than an ice rink, it will be a valuable community resource.”

He said Halton Council has secured a £20,000 Government grant, ring fenced to ensure that sports facilities are more accessible for the disabled.

The money has funded sledges and protection equipment for a disabled sledge hockey team.