Permanent facility is being installed next week and will open on April 9.

A LONG-established Honiton business is to under go a cool transformation - an ice rink is to be developed at Turks Head Lodge.

The permanent facility is being installed next week and will open on Saturday, April 9, following staff training.

News of the development scotches rumours that the site has been sold to McDonald’s.

Owners the Harris family say they have had a re-think over The Lodge following a difficult winter.

“I think it will bring people to Honiton,” Richard Harris told The Midweek Herald.

“Business has not been fantastic. We have had an incredibly hard winter.

“We have looked at how we can keep the business going and we feel this is something that will be really good for Honiton.

“People will, hopefully, come to Honiton for the rink and then shop in town.”

The popular Sunday carvery will continue, with new seating being provided around the ice rink.

Two dining areas, including the recently revamped former Black Swan Restaurant, will be available to those who do not want to eat near the ice skater.

Mr Harris says the venue will cater for private parties, offering the complete package for children - skating and a meal.

The ice rink, provided by Ice-y Blue 700, is similar to the one in Barnstaple and features plastic with a specialist coating.

During the Easter holiday, the rink will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

In term-time, the rink will be open 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 7pm on Sunday.

Private parties will be catered for after 7pm.

Due to prior bookings, the rink will be closed on April 13, 15 and 20.