by Helen Geraghty

Heavy snow is to blame for controversial Christmas attraction LaplandUK going into administration.

Only 40,000 tickets to the attraction were sold in 2009, 10,000 less than in the previous year. And refunds have had to be organised for bookings on two days of heavy snow when the site was shut because cars were unable to safely drive to the Bewl Water site, near Lamberhurst.

A statement released on behalf of founders Mike and Alison Battle said: "LaplandUK has been placed into administration. After excellent results in 2007 and 2008, LaplandUK had a difficult year in 2009 due to the weather, the impact of the recession, and lower than expected attendance from the local area.

"Some 120,000 people attended the experience over its three years of operation from 2007 to 2009 but the pressure on ticket prices and the loss of two key days due to the severe weather in December had an adverse impact on the results for last year.

"LaplandUK anticipates that all ticket holders who are entitled to a refund because of the two-day closure in December caused by the severe weather will be reimbursed by Lapland UK's insurance policy.

"Every effort to protect suppliers is being explored."

They stressed that despite going into administration, LaplandUK is in talks with new partners and hopes to make an announcement about a new structure in February.

Around 300 seasonal staff were employed by LaplandUK before Christmas, and the company said they had all been paid up to date.