Lockerbie Ice Rink bosses hit out at youngsters who went on the rampage

Angry ice rink bosses have hit out after a gang of youngsters went on the rampage during a Saturday night re-opening trial.

The teenagers snapped jacket pegs off the wall and sent rubbish flying when they kicked over a bin at Lockerbie.

Officials said the group caused “completely unacceptable” damage and then hurled “a colourful barrage of abuse” at staff and stewards.

Turning to social media to vent their frustration, the rink’s trustees said: “Saturday night skating was cancelled years ago primarily due to this type of behaviour. It’s sad to see our trial to bring it back has ended with a sour taste.”

The same group has been attending the rink during the day in recent weeks but had become “increasingly troublesome for staff to cope with”.

And their bad behaviour escalated when they also turned up at Saturday night’s skating trial which invited residents of all ages to enjoy the rink with the chance to reinstate the once popular weekend event.

The rink’s Facebook post said: “It was great to see the town support the rink on our Saturday night skating trial. Thanks to you all for coming. Sadly, as seems to be the norm these days, there was a small percentage of youths who spoiled it for everyone.

“All this mess and damage by a small group of youths under 16-years-old.

“The employees here do not deserve to be spoken to with such disgusting and threatening language and, as such, we will have to have a serious thought about ever doing night sessions again – and also how we can go about policing this type of behaviour during our normal weekends.”

They concluded: “Thanks to everyone who came along and enjoyed themselves without breaking stuff. It was great to see the place so busy.”