Santa, elves at shoddy English theme park 'bashed' by angry parents

NEWS.com.au
December 03, 2008

A SANTA and his elves have been attacked by parents furious over exorbitant entry prices and long queue times at a shoddy Christmas theme park.

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Blows were reportedly exchanged after Santa stopped allowing children to sit on his knee and charged parents an extra $23 to have photos taken at the theme park at Matchams Leisure Park on the Dorset-Hampshire border, England.

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The Sun reported that a dad was so angry at queuing for hours he hit Santa. Three elves and three security guards were also attacked in other incidents.

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“The final straw for one dad came when after four hours he was told he would have to join another queue for his child to get a present – so he marched up and punched Santa on the chin,” former staff member Adrian Wood told The Sun.

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The theme park, described as a "glorified car-boot" sale has been blasted for charging a "rip-off" $69 entrance fee.

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(Read More) Debbie of Brisbane Disappointed customer Claire Harnett, and five-year-old daughter Tierney, said they spotted Santa with his beard off having a smoke. “The whole experience was appalling, especially for the cost,” Mrs Harnett said.

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The RSPCA has launched an investigation after dozens of complaints about the treatment of husky dogs, reindeers and donkeys on the site.

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Recruitment agency Richards Events told The Sun that they advised the 25 workers they supplied to quit working at the theme park. “We can’t expect our staff to take constant abuse and do not want to put their safety at risk," managing director Sue Holzher said.

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Advertisements promised a place “where dreams really do come true” – with a tunnel of light, an ice rink and a nativity scene. But families found the fairy lights switched off and no rink as the generator was broken. The nativity scene was painted on a billboard.

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The Dorset County Council's trading standards has received more than 1300 complaints about the park.

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Read the rest of the story, and see pictures, at The Sun