Winter Wonderland, in Colchester's Castle Park, closes as company goes into liquidation

UPDATE:

PEOPLE who bought tickets for Colchester’s Winter Wonderland are unlikely to get refunds.

The attraction has released a statement detailing ticket claims.

They have advised people who paid by credit or debit card to contact their card company to try and get a refund.

It then states: “Unfortunately where a refund is not available, those customers will be unsecured creditors with claims against the company “Reflective Ice Ltd”. This situation will also apply to a small minority of customers who have paid by cheque or by cash.”

Any enquiries should be emailed to refunds@colchestericerink.co.uk

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The attraction in Castle Park has become the victim of the unseasonably warm weather, forcing it to close the numerous times since it opened 25 days ago.

More than £50,000 has been refunded to ticket holders who have been unable to skate.

An update on ticket refunds will be issued tomorrow with 5,000 booked between now and January 3.

About 50 staff contracted to work there were today told there was no more work for them.

Ben Payne, managing director of Reflective Ice Limited, said: "I am devastated, I have done everything I can to make it work.

"The weather has killed us. We have only had about five or six days of perfect weather conditions.

"I have refunded nearly £50,000.

"Two weeks ago when it closed it was fine, it was only me who probably wouldn't make any money.

"This weekend we were closed and it and was going to make it more tricky but there were ways to go through it.

"But we were closed on Tuesday and the decision was made to close for good."

Clearance of the site around the Castle, which had included fairground attractions and festive themed stalls, is due to take place in the coming days.

About ten traders at the site are in the process of being contacted to discuss the financial situation.

Mr Payne said he had predicted to have up to 1,500 visitors to the attraction at peak times but figures were closer to 1,100.

He said: "Everyone from the site will be affected by this and it is not a decision I have taken lightly.

"It is a project I have worked on for two and a half years and to see it melt is devastating."

Since the rink opened on November 27, it has been closed for six full days and five half days.

CASTLE PARK, which is usually bustling with keen skaters and shoppers getting into the festive spirit, was this evening dark, dingey and silent.

Colchester Winter Wonderland and Ice Rink has attracted many people from all over the county since it opened.

Although tonight the castle gates were closed, manned by security guards, who were the only people in sight in the park.

The last families to be allowed into the park were just making their exit, and the gates were quickly sealed behind them.

Through the bars the Christmas lights were still twinkling away, but they were distant, and there was no one able to appreciate the festive decor.

Security guards said they had stopped allowing people into the park at around 5pm, which left the grounds deserted.

They said the stalls were still standing, but there was no one to man them, and the empty ice rink had been closed all day.

THE mum of a disabled girl who was looking forward to a Christmas Eve treat on the ice says she is angry over the closure and the way it was handled.

Sarah Champion, 39, booked a family ice skating ticket more than four weeks ago.

When her and daughter Louise, 15, a pupil at Kingswode Hoe School, in Colchester, went to pick them up yesterday at the Mercury Theatre she was told they were no longer available.

Mrs Champion, of Dilbridge Road West, Colchester, went to Colchester Council to try and find out what was happening but got no answers.

She then made her way to the park where she says she was told by ice rink staff it was closed and she should come back on Thursday.

She said: “We have already been told we are unlikely to get our money back and the bank says, because we paid by debit card, there is nothing it can do.

“Money is tight for everyone this time of year and few people can afford to lose £40.

“Louise is very disappointed and upset.”

              Professional skaters at the launch night last month

The Winter Wonderland had a number of partners and sponsors.

One of those was Culver Square shopping centre, which did not know Reflective Ice had gone into liquidation until contacted by the Gazette last night.

David Robertson, manager, said it signed up to an advertising package which included having billboards at the attraction and giving ice rink tickets away in competitions.

He said: “As one of the sponsors we thought it was a great idea for Colchester and if the weather had been on their side it would be a reason to visit Colchester."

Tim Young, councillor responsible for culture at Colchester Council, said: "It is very unfortunate and a bit sad.

"It is a great idea and nothing can legislate for the sort of weather we are having.

"I feel very sorry for the organisers. The elements have conspired against us."

Mr Young said its popularity mean he would not rule out it taking place another year.

                Professionals performing on the attraction's launch night

ONE of the warmest December’s on record in UK was the main reason behind the ice skating rink’s demise.

December has been the mildest on record by 1C. The average temperature, of 10.6C, was similar to what can be expected around the beginning of May.

Mr Payne, speaking on December 9, said: “We measured an air temperature of 14C on site, which meant the top layers of ice just wouldn’t set.

“Our ice rink has been built using the same professional equipment as the open-air rinks in London, which have all suffered the same issues, because of the unusually warm winter weather.

Up to 30 contractors spent two and a half weeks on the site creating the ice rink.

Once the base was in place, 45,000 litres of water was frozen in layers to create real ice for skating.

Entry to the attraction was free.

Skating cost £11.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.

A statement from Winter Wonderland and ice Rink said:

It said: "Following the unseasonably high temperatures and strong winds throughout November and December, and looking at the weather forecast for the rest of the week for the UK, it has become financially impossible for Reflective Ice to continue to operate Colchester Winter Wonderland and Ice Rink.

"After taking legal advice, Reflective Ice is going into liquidation and has begun the process of appointing administrators.

"This decision has been taken with deep regret as it will have a major impact of its staff, partners and customers.

"Reflective Ice sincerely thanks their staff, customers, business partners and supporters. There has been a huge amount of support for the Ice rink in Colchester and on social media.

"This is a very sad day for Reflective Ice.

"Colchester Winter Wonderland and Ice Rink and events are now cancelled. Please bear with us for further information. An update on ticket refunds will be issued tomorrow and will be available on colchestericerink.co.uk."

The company was formed in July this year and had a small number of directors.