On May 13th 2026, Wigan Roller Rink announced it would be permanently closing down at the end of August this year. However, Wigan Roller Rink is one of the last places in Wigan for community, learning new skills, and being able to entertain both children and adults alike. 

The closure of the rink would be a huge loss to the Wigan community, as this rink is a place where both children and adults can socialise and make friends, especially in 2026 when there is a significant rise in youth loneliness, with young people being declared the loneliest generation. Also, there are already limited opportunities for adults to make friends, and the roller rink provided that space. 

As well as this, skating sessions and lessons were always quite affordable here, at only £7 a pop, so it was quite accessible too. With Wigan’s track record, the building would probably just sit abandoned whilst rent is so high that no one else could fill the spot, whilst vape shops and betting shops fill our once bustling high streets.

There is genuinely very little to do in terms of activities anymore, and this was one of the last things we had. Every weekend, the car park is absolutely packed with skaters, so popularity and demand is not the issue at hand here. 

Maybe this is far fetched but if this petition gets enough traction then maybe the council will see how important this place is to so many people in Wigan and work with them to keep it open. The skating community is already in talks with the rink to try to understand the situation. Please sign and share this petition to help us out!!