FOR more than three decades Rollerworld’s state-of-the-art skating rink was the lynchpin of not only the venue itself but, in many ways, an entire community.
The large surface area of Canadian maple was as much rooted into the ground below the Moorside complex as it was stitched into the fabric of Colchester.
Over the course of its 32 year history, the iconic rink played host to everything from proposals and first dates to school trips and celebrity visits.
Unfortunately, it is now set for a stint in storage after the much-documented closure – despite the efforts of owners Anne and Jason Khan - of the skating site in November.
Having been given a moving out deadline of February 5 by landlords Petchey Holdings, Rollerworld bosses are in a race against the clock to clear the facility.
Kind-hearted volunteers from the community and soon-to-be laid-off staff, however, have clubbed together to help ensure the venue is cleared out in time.
So far all of the lightning rigs have been removed and the much-loved rink is currently in the process of – rather emotionally – being pulled up one piece at a time.
READ MORE: Colchester Rollerworld owners exploring ways of reopening
READ MORE: Rollerworld Colchester shuts down after 32 years of business
Speaking previously Anne said: “Everything is going into containers and everything is being taken up individually.
“Skating is a real community and we always been close knit - we have definitely been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to us. People do care.
“Staff are all still helping out even though they are going to be made redundant. It is amazing and this kindness is keeping us going.
“We would like to personally thank Travis Perkins, all our volunteers and our incredible staff that have shown unbelievable kindness over this period.”
She also said they are looking to hopefully reopen Rollerworld but within a different building - ideally one which they will buy outright so the brand is protected forever.
“We want to set up a charity in order to do it and we have some amazing people standing with us if it is able to happen,” added Anne.
“We just want to keep skating going in Colchester.”
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