MANCHESTER Phoenix Ice Hockey Club have received further positive encouragement from Trafford Borough Council regarding their plans to bring a permanent ice facility to fruition in the area.

Following a meeting of the full council, the Phoenix have been advised that plans for a temporary ice facility - ahead of a permanent one - are now proceeding to full planning status.

And officials from the council have cleared permission for the hockey club to confirm the new site to be on Oakfield Road in Altrincham.

Phoenix Managing Director Neil Morris was understandably delighted. "This is another huge step forward for everyone committed to bringing ice sports back to the area, and we are extremely pleased to finally confirm the location for the new facility. We were asked to observe confidentiality clauses and we've abided by that, so naming the site really gives us and our fans something to focus on."

Morris added: "What this means now is that we liaise even closer with the contractors to ensure that our plans in no way compromise or interfere, in any way, with the full planned development. The big picture is a multi-functional development project called Station Location and the time scale for the complete project spans a number of years.

"Our intention and aims are to have a temporary facility ready in time for the Phoenix to return to competitive play for season 2006-07 without interfering with the bigger future for the centre of Altrincham.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone at Trafford, for their patience and understanding of our desires to progress our element as quickly as possible. I truly believe that this represents the start of an exciting new era for ice sports in the area."

Nick Payne, of Station Location contractors David McLean Nikal, added his upbeat thoughts. "We're delighted to be involved in this exciting development of an ice rink, and that the plans are taking another step forward. The partnership between ourselves and the Phoenix and Planet Ice will be a huge plus as we progress the development because, we want to see the ice facility operational as quickly as they do. This is good news for us, the Phoenix, Planet Ice and the ice sports community in Manchester."