Urgent 'carbon monoxide' health warning to visitors of ice rink at weekend

15 November 2023 , 09:11

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Planet Ice UK in Widnes is said to remain closed (Image: Liverpool Echo)

An ice rink has been temporarily closed after levels of carbon monoxide were discovered over the weekend, say reports.

With visitors reportedly falling ill, the rink is now urging people to seek medical advice. Planet Ice announced on social media on Monday that its Widnes rink is closed due to "unforeseen circumstances", reports Liverpool Echo.

The popular ice skating rink is said to be closed due to a carbon monoxide leak. In a statement, Planet Ice said: "Following concerns relating to a report of carbon monoxide levels at the rink at the weekend - Planet Ice Widnes is currently closed. The cause of the concern has now been identified and addressed."

The statement continued: "In the meantime, anyone who was present at the site at the weekend is advised to seek medical advice if they feel unwell." The leak coincided with an ice hockey game between Widnes Wild and Solihull Barons on Saturday, after which people in attendance reportedly felt unwell.

In a statement on social media Widnes Wild said: "We’re aware of several people reporting varying levels of illness after attending our game on Saturday." Widnes Wild also urged any fans who feel unwell to seek medical attention.

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In comments left on both Planet Ice and Widnes Wild's social media posts people complained of headaches and feeling unwell. One person claimed that anyone who is pregnant and visited the venue should "get checked over". Another person commented: "We were checked out [by medical personal] last night following symptoms. The walk in then sent us to A&E." One person commenting also claimed that a fan had been to hospital and was told he had carbon monoxide in his blood.

Halton Borough Council, the council which covers Widnes, is also investigating the incident. In a statement they said: ""The council’s Environmental Health Team has attended Planet Ice on Monday November 13 following reports of people feeling unwell after attending the rink on Saturday November 11." Planet Ice Widnes remains closed. The Mirror has contacted the company for comment.

Ed Holt