PROPOSALS to build an ice rink as part of a town centre redevelopment scheme are to be scrapped because of high costs.

Sedgefield Borough Council's cabinet is being forced to throw out a plan to create a rink next to Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre because cash for the project could not be secured.

The council teamed up with town centre owners Freshwater, which also owns the proposed site, to commission a feasibility study into the idea.

Officers hoped that the move would coincide with an overhaul of the town's retail complex - encouraging more evening visitors and improving leisure provision.

Researchers, Adventure on Ice, found it would technically be possible to redesign outlets to make space for a facility capable of hosting national ice hockey games.

But the team estimated the cost of building the rink and a 1500 seat stadium, which could also be used for events such as music concerts, at £7.2m.

The council hoped funding for the project would come from the private sector with support from local authorities and sports and regeneration grant agencies.

But Freshwater has told the council it cannot fund the project and will instead concentrate on retail developments.

Phil Ball, director of leisure services at Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "We were very serious about the idea and disappointed it won't be possible.

"We were looking for a leisure anchor project for Newton Aycliffe as a regenerative tool to attract more people into the town, especially on an evening, but couldn't do it on our own.

"For that reason we worked closely with Freshwater and although they feel unable to invest in this project we are very excited about the positive plans they do have to reinvigorate the town centre."

In the next few weeks, Freshwater will lodge a planning application for the first phase of work which could see a major high street retailer move to the town.

A company spokesperson said: "We are still working very closely with the council to plan the town centre's redevelopment, in particular to create a greater amount retail close to the leisure centre."