SUPPORTERS of a festive event in Petersfield think highways officers could be on thin ice after protective barriers were removed from the skating rink.

Temporary metal barriers were placed on the pavement outside the Winter Wonderland to protect users of the artificial ice rink. But they were removed last week by Hampshire County Council because they were deemed to be causing an obstruction to motorists.

Steve Jacob and Ben Errey, the duo behind the Petersfield Festival team that organised the event, have declined to comment on the incident.

But Mr Jacob confirmed that the metal safety barriers, which were initially moved on police advice, were removed because they were causing an obstruction.

Their removal came ahead of a crucial meeting with council officers on the positioning of promotional posters and boards around the town.

A Petersfield Festival volunteer contacted the Herald last Thursday after officers removed the railings from the side of College Street. He said the barriers were put up to safeguard children using the facility in The Red Lion pub car park.

No-one at Hampshire County Council was available for comment.

Young skaters from Herne Junior School are pictured at the Winter Wonderland trying out the ice rink for size on Wednesday morning.