A much-loved ice rink faces an uncertain future due to rising energy costs and anti-social behaviour.

Skate Tunbridge Wells, which has occupied Calverley Grounds in the town's centre for the past 12 years, includes skating for all ages and abilities, skate aids for children, Bavarian Curling, and as of this year, lessons.

The event, which runs from November to January every year, also features live music, DJs, choirs, children's characters and an opening night event showcasing professional skaters, as well as food and drink and a Father Christmas.

Its last season saw more than 43,000 ticket holders on the ice, and around 80,000 visitors.

The event has historically generated an income for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), with its 2021/22 season adding £109,178 to the coffers.

It also has wider economic benefits, bringing people into the town centre and providing 50 seasonal jobs.

The council's communities and economic development cabinet advisory board has been told local businesses running the concession, security and on-site café would not survive without the event through the winter months.

But last festive season the event lost money, due to rising costs for fuel and electricity, as well as extra labour costs needed to tackle the rising level of antisocial behaviour in the park.

The board will face a decision next Wednesday, March 8 on the rink's future.

The first option is to not provide an ice rink at all, which would affect the local businesses who rely on the event to stay afloat.

Another option would be to provide the same event but with an increase in ticket prices to cover this year's losses.

A third option is to contract out the rink itself, meaning the provider would take on the risk and operation of the event, but the council would still be responsible for covering the cost of power, planning consent, arranging park closures and lighting.

Revenue would be split evenly between the council and the provider.

This would cost the council around £475,000 and would also result in a complete loss of control over customer service, delivery, and health and safety.

Finally, a fourth option would be to open the rink from December to January, two weeks shorter than its current run, which would save money on hire fees, fuel and staffing costs.

Additional attractions such as a Ferris wheel or carousel would also be added to increase concession income.