Following months of campaigning by the ice rink community and the Herald, the council and KA Leisure have made assurances they will try to get skaters back on the ice.

But some want to see real action before taking the operators of Auchenharvie Leisure Centre at their word.

Colin Glencorse, business manager at KA Leisure, said: “We would like to thank the representatives from all the ice sports for their contribution and participation in the meetings and agreeing to be part of the working group going forward.”

Dawn Lamberton, whose children use the ice, said: “Our aim was to highlight the poor treatment of all the ice users by KA Leisure and hopefully get them to reconsider their position.

“If it comes good that will be great for all that use the ice rink.

“We are now hopeful for a good outcome. Just waiting on a confirmed date.”

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The rink is now full of fitness equipment.The rink is now full of fitness equipment.

Last week, the Herald reported that sports groups had been assured the rink would be opened earlier than the initially proposed date of January 2021.

A statement released by North Ayrshire Council this week does not give any indication of a date.

It reads: “Following a series of positive and productive meetings with ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and curling clubs, we are pleased to confirm that all partners have a mutual understanding of the current position and the challenges ahead.

“All parties agreed to work together in partnership to resolve some of the ongoing issues, giving the opportunity to jointly explore some of the technical aspects towards re-starting ice activity as soon as circumstances allow.”

A working group with representatives from each of the ice sports is to convene to look at challenges facing the reopening including health and safety, technical issues and improvements to ice provision and programming.

Scott Campbell, chair of North Ayrshire Ice Hockey club, said: “I would like to thank KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council for their open, honest and transparent approach which I am sure will bring a positive outcome that all our members will be happy with.”