A Hitchin skater is helping to back a movement to get ice sports back to the rink.

The reopening of a number of businesses, activities and sports was postponed earlier this month after a rise in the number of Covid infections - affecting many, including Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg from north Herts.

Despite the government announcing last week that the easing of a number of restrictions imposed during lockdown has been halted - British ice sports are still banned indefinitely – having been off the ice since March 20.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously announced various venues such as ice rinks, bowling alleys, theatres and casinos could reopen on August 1.

However, he subsequently changed his mind. Meaning the opening date for ice rinks has been postponed until at least August 15 – leaving many with links to ice sports across the country perplexed and frustrated.

Talented Hitchin ice skater Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg spoke to Hitchin Nub News about the inconsistencies in the government's approach – which is causing uncertainty among many affected.

"There is no technical, scientific, health, administrative, legal, or procedural reason why we cannot get back to training," she said, adding: "British ice sports are in crisis.

"We've been off the ice since 20 March and despite having our return to sport documents approved by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport the government still will not let figure skaters, speed skaters and ice hockey teams get back to our passions, livelihoods, and careers.

"The government is encouraging people to eat out more, but also lead healthier lifestyles - all the while denying ice athletes the one thing that keeps them healthiest, both physically and mentally.

"It makes no sense. So athletes, parents and coaches are campaigning alongside our national governing bodies and taking to the airwaves to raise awareness of our sport and the damage the political decision not to reopen our sports training venues is causing."

British Ice Skating have been applying pressure to the government behind the scenes along with various other sporting partners in a bid to get the state to review how the sector proceeds.

Confusingly the government has also said nightclubs and strip clubs – as well as soft play areas will have to stay closed – to be looked at again at a future date – while pubs are open, indoor snow sports are back, and workers are urged to travel back to their offices.

While leisure centres have been able to reopen in full from earlier this month – even if working out will be different to how it was before lockdown

Olympic gold medallist Robin Cousins, who won gold in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, said: "My heart goes out to all the skaters who, for a second time, have had their return to their 'happy place' delayed…let's hope [we have] clarity as to when and how facilities around the country can reopen and operate comes soon."

Campaigners such as Elizabeth are asking those who support the return to the ice to contact their local MP as well as petition Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, and the PM.

Use the hashtag BackOnTheIce on social media platforms.