PARENTS have expressed their outrage at Webbs Garden Centre’s decision to remove its famous ice rink and Santa’s Grotto for its Christmas celebrations this year but increase ticket prices.

Visiting the flagship store in Wychbold is usually a festive tradition for many families, but this year one parent has said: “I think you’ve let yourselves down this year. Such a shame we won’t be coming.”

Its annual winter wonderland has been replaced with ‘The Enchanted Gardens’ which costs £55 for a family ticket in December.

The trail, which is said to take 45 minutes, includes a chat or a wave to Santa and a walk past different zoned areas covering four fairy tales - Thumbelina, The Gingerbread Man, Hansel and Gretel and Jack and The Beanstalk.

However, many parents are calling for a price reduction as one mum said: “How can you justify these charges? Although it is a lovely magical idea which children and adults will love, the ticket prices are hyper inflated which will exclude many people and families.

"Perhaps you could reconsider your admission prices?"

Another added: “Lovely idea in principle but overpriced for what is included. Personally, my girls love a good magical trail but at Christmas they want to see Santa and get a little gift. Missed the mark with the children I think this year."

A spokesperson for Webbs Garden Centres said: “We have invested heavily to extend our gardens into the magical woodland beyond – and the long-term benefit of this will be that this woodland will then be open free of charge into the spring months - we’ve also planted tons of bulbs to keep the magic flowing into spring.

“This pricing is in line with other light trails locally and across the country and we have invested heavily to make this trail truly special.

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“We have made the difficult decision not to bring back the ice rink. We plan and book our suppliers for these events far in advance and with the uncertain climate, there was too much risk involved. We also had wider business considerations which influenced our decision.

"We know that this will be disappointing for some people who have loyally returned each year, but we feel that The Enchanted Gardens will be a wonderful festive alternative.”

Families have been advised if they want a ‘traditional grotto', Webbs Garden Centres in Hagley and Cheltenham are set to announce plans later this month.