CUSTOMERS have been warned not to pay incorrect and "heavy-handed" demands from liquidators representing the firm who launched a York ice skating rink.

Promoter Mark Brayshaw said some people who had already paid for rink time at the Eye of York or used it after Aria Ice - the company behind the idea - hit the financial buffers had been issued with payment letters.

Mr Brayshaw advised customers receiving the letters to call liquidators Robson Laidler to clarify the situation.

Problems stem from Aria's payment records not being updated after staff left just before Christmas. As a result, many customers who used Aria's UK rinks have received a letter.

Mr Brayshaw told any skaters who used the Eye of York site after December 21 - just before he reopened the operation as a festive goodwill gesture - not to dip into their pockets.

One York resident received a letter for a booking she had already paid for. He said: "She hasn't paid again, but was quite concerned. The liquidators say they are legally bound to write to everyone as part of the process. But they fully understand just about everybody has already paid or did not receive goods from Aria."

Mr Brayshaw, who runs York-based events management firm Rockin' Horse Promotions, said the letter was a "bit heavy-handed" stating interest would be levied after 14 days.

"Some people might be worried by it," he added. "Anybody who missed their original booking between December 21 and 28 due to the rink closure, or who rearranged a missed booking after December 21, should not pay any demand."

Liquidators are believed to be chasing a sum in the region of £250,000 after Redcar-based Aria's ice rink operation went into meltdown in the face of insurance and cash flow wrangles.

Peter Gray, of Robson Laidler, said customers with letters should write to them stating their service was not received by Aria. "We can write amounts paid off very, very easily."

Updated: 10:34 Tuesday, March 02, 2004