Christmas ice rink for St Johns?

St John's could get another ice rink this Christmas - if planners approve new proposals.

Tynwald Mills has applied for planning permission to put up a marquee containing the festive facility in its car park.

If successful, it'd be the fourth year in a row skaters would take to the ice.

Stephen Bradley of Tynwald Mills says the aim would be to run the rink for two months over the Christmas period.

Mr Bradley says last year, more than 1,800 children from the Island's schools were given free or discounted skating sessions.

And he says he'd hope to be able to offer similar deals this year, if the application is approved by the planning committee.

Although the business has asked permission for two months, Mr Bradley says the rink would open for four weeks, with a fortnight before and after to put up the marquee and take it down.

And he says the facility allows the shopping complex to maintain market share in an increasingly competitive retail environment.