LAPLAND New Forest bosses are battling on with their troubled Christmas theme park despite calls for it to be closed down and the threat of prosecution.

The much-criticised attraction at Matchams, near Ringwood, is still open despite the number of complaints reaching more than 2,000 and investigations from local councils and the RSPCA.

Trading officers are considering evidence after visiting the site to see for themselves what prompted so many calls from angry customers.

They took photographs and are considering whether there have been any breaches of consumer rights and if customers have been misled.

East Dorset District Council continues to investigate health and safety issues and has stopped the sale of alcohol on the site. An alcohol licence had been granted but is not yet in force.

The council said that the majority of complaints about health and safety had proved to be unfounded but its officers had identified a number of minor concerns.

Meanwhile the RSPCA has launched a formal investigation after receiving calls from people worried about the treatment of animals at the attraction.

Hundreds of angry families have demanded that Lapland New Forest is closed down and are doing all they can to get their money back.

But when the Daily Echo called the booking line yesterday we were told it was still open for business.

The person who answered the telephone told us: “We are still going. The publicity we have had has not been good because we had a disastrous opening weekend but things are in place to correct it.

“Everything that could go wrong did go wrong and nothing went in our favour but now the ice rink is up and running and the fairground is working and is free of charge.”

Up to 50,000 people are believed to have pre-purchased tickets bringing in more than £1m for the organisers.

Complaints have flooded in about the attraction, which costs £30 per person or £100 for a family of four.

Visitors described having to queue for hours to see Santa who was spotted smoking outside his “grotto”; how food, drink and toys ran out; and seeing Santa and his elves involved in scuffles with furious visitors.

People with concerns can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.