DOVERCOURT’S roller-skating rink could be saved, thanks to public donations.

The rink, in Lower Marine Parade, is under threat after annual insurance costs rocketed from £2,800 to £10,000.

But residents have dug deep and come up with £4,000 since an appeal was launched in November.

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, which leases the rink from Tendring Council, hopes its can raise enough money to get through the winter and renegotiate the cover.

Spokesman John Brown said: “We have had some success with people donating. One woman, who wants to remain anonymous, gave us £250.

“The Harwich and Dovercourt Partnership presented us with £300 and the United Services Club donated £100.

“Nowwe need another £1,000 before January 27 and then we will be able to switch to a new insurance provider, which would cost us about £4,000 a year and be much more manageable.”

The rink opened in 1947 but closed down in 2006.

It reopened three years ago and the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was awarded the lease of the site on a not-for-profit basis after it was refurbished by Tendring Council.

The insurance costs increased after a child fell and broke his ankle two years ago.

Skaters are charged £4 for a day, including the cost of renting equipment.