CHENNAI: The skating rink at Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar that draws enthusiasts from all over the city is facing serious maintenance problems.

The track is worn out and the surroundings are without proper lighting and security, says John Miller, occupational therapist and chief skating instructor at the rink.

The rink was opened by the Chennai Corporation in 1994 with a well-laid track protected by an iron fence. Ornamental plants on a raised platform added a touch of greenery. Over the years, the fence has fallen down and the concrete pillars that supported it have been uprooted or stolen. Regular users say the rink is taken over by slum dwellers, beggars and anti-social elements at night.

"As there is no fence, beggars and drunken persons invade the rink after dusk. They eat, drink and sleep here. The police do come on rounds and chase them away, but the trouble makers come back," says Dr. Miller.

Dr. Miller and his assistants come at 6 a.m. and persuade them to vacate the place.

"This is an everyday struggle. We are unable to start the morning sessions on time," says Dr. Miller. The rink does not have lights, which affects the evening session. Dr. Miller says, "We are supposed to train from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. But as dusk falls, it is difficult to continue without lights."

S. Radhakrishnan, another coach, says: "Parents have lost their handbags, cell phones and other valuables. We are not able to stop anyone from entering the place."

S. Murali of Tiruvanmiyur, who brings his 7-year-old son for training, says, "There are beautiful rinks in Anna Nagar and on the Marina. Even parents are not allowed inside the track on the Marina.

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