Skaters could soon be a comon site in Gunnersbury Park if plans for a temporary ice rink get the go-ahead.

Rowing could also be making a comeback in the Brentford park, with the team who operate boats in Hyde Park keen to run a similar scheme on the Round Pond, but plans for a BMX track in the south-west corner of the park were given short shrift.

The ideas were discussed at September's meeting of the Gunnersbury Park Regeneration Board, minutes of which have just been published.

Consultants working on an 'Options Appraisal' for Hounslow and Ealing councils are looking into both ideas after receiving expressions of interest.

Outspoken campaigner Bela Cunha, of Lionel Road North, Brentford, welcomed plans for skating and boating. She said: I'm all for anything sporty that keeps children off the streets and away from drugs.

"If young people start feeling this place belongs to them, and they're given a real input, they'd be less likely to vandalise it.

"Boating and fishing used to be very popular but it stopped when they said there were too many weeds, which I believe was an excuse to run the facilities down."

Last Thursday's board meeting was the first time members have sat in public, after heavy pressure from residents.

It was remarkably free of fireworks, following months of claims and counter-claims about 'secret' plans for luxury homes in the park, with members spending much of their time arguing about whether to install a permanent chairman.

Peter Thompson, leader of Hounslow Council, has promised residents will get their first view of proposals to renovate the park early next year.