BUSINESS tycoon David Ross, current chairman of marine safety specialist Cosalt and co-founder of Carphone Warehouse has vowed to help save Grimsby's Ice Factory.

The plight of the Grade-ll listed building, containing five huge 80-year-old J&E Hall ammonia compressors, was first revealed in ACR News last year.

The newly-formed Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust (Great GIFT) has announced Mr Ross agreed to become the group's president to raise its profile and rally support for the cause.

Great GIFT chair Vicky Hartung revealed the news at the first board meeting on July 29. David Ross is said to be uniquely qualified for the role of president, having a family association with Cosalt (formed in 1873 as a co-operative of fishing vessel owners ) giving strong associations with the docks and Ice House. As co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, trustee of the National Portrait Gallery and sponsor of Havelock Academy he is said to represent the forward-looking, cultural aims of the group.

Mr Ross told the Grimsby Telegraph: 'Culture has played a vital role in driving the regeneration of many urban areas, and I am certain it has a part to play in Grimsby.
'That is why I was delighted to be the first president of the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust, and I am honoured to accept and continue to help Grimsby look to an exciting future.'

An interesting video on the Grimsby Ice House and how the fight to save it has split the community can be found at: visit thisisgrimsby