HOPES of reopening a number of festive ice rinks faded as the company responsible ceased trading.
Financial problems led to the closure of the temporary ice rinks in Stockton, Durham, Middlesbrough and Darlington on Christmas Eve.
It was hoped that an administrator would take over the running of Teesside company Aria, allowing the rinks to reopen.
But this week, Aria said it had ceased trading after debts and other problems, caused by wrangles between Aria, insurance companies and the company's various debtors and creditors.
Most of the money for the hire of the rinks came from local taxpayers.
It is understood the rink rental for Stockton Borough Council was £80,000 for four months hire, and the rental for Durham City Council, £10,000 for a month's hire for a smaller rink. No figures were available for other authorities.
Aria managed 15 ice rinks across the country, including one in Newcastle.
Rockin Horse Promotions has stepped in to try to re-open the Aria-run ice rink outside Clifford's Tower in York.
Vincent Eckerman, managing director of Aria, based at Redcar, said: "We are very sorry this has happened."
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