SKATING bosses say they could face financial ruin if they are forced to shut their rink at 10pm.

Rollerworld in Moorside, Colchester, is in a battle with Colchester Council about opening hours during the pandemic.

The authority is insisting the entire facility shuts down at 10pm in line with the curfew for hospitality businesses.

But Rollerworld manager Karl Zabroksi insists the Government guidance says the café and bar must close at that time - but people can still skate.

Mr Zabroski said he has presented the council with proof from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport which shows they are allowed to continue.

The rink is taking action to ensure social distancing by running at just 25 per cent capacity.

“We understand that these are difficult times for all, we must accept changes, and Rollerworld has embraced these changes, and gone above and beyond to make our venue safe for all our visitors and staff,” he said.

“We have invited the council to our venue on multiple occasions so that we can give them a guided tour of our facilities.

“Closing at 10pm would have a devastating impact on our trade with a large percentage of turnover coming from our night time sessions.

“We would lose three hours of skating. It may not seem a lot and it would take us below our break even level. There would have to be some serious decisions made about the future of Rollerworld.”

Essex County Council has called for the curfew to be scrapped or extended to midnight.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “The regulations are clear cut when it comes to opening times and the need for leisure facilities and similar businesses to close between the hours of 10pm and 5am.

“We have declined the invitation to assess whether Rollerworld is Covid-safe, because it has no bearing as such on its opening hours.

“The issue is not whether it is Covid-secure but that the law currently requires the business to have restricted opening times.”