HE controversial Lapland New Forest theme park could be set to rake in up to £2 million in the run-up to Christmas.

Despite being hit by a record number of customer complaints, a walkout by staff and an official investigation by trading standards, the Matchams attraction could still make bumper profits.

Some 50,000 people have already bought £30 tickets for the festive-themed attraction since it started taking bookings several weeks ago.

And it is thought a further 30,000 people could pass through the gates in the run-up to Christmas.

Families who pre-booked tickets before the controversy broke have little chance of getting their money back without first visiting the attraction and then going through the formal complaints process if dissatisfied.

A spokesman for Consumer Direct yesterday confirmed anybody wishing to cancel pre-bought tickets would have to “depend on the goodwill of the company”.

The company relaunched its website on Wednesday, with photos of Lapland New Forest taken on Monday and on the VIP and press day held before the official opening.

In response to all the negative press, the website states: “The Meridian TV crew so enjoyed their visit that they requested to schedule a LIVE weather broadcast from Lapland New Forest – as was already planned with the BBC for December 4 – and also asked for complimentary tickets for their own families to visit… which were granted with pleasure.”

When the Daily Echo visited the site on Wednesday it looked almost deserted, with just a handful of people milling around.

Priority for the organisers seemed to be keeping reporters and photographers separate from visitors. Members of the press were directed to a separate car park well away from the park entrance.

Consumer Direct said it was unable to disclose how many complaints it had received about Lapland New Forest but a spokesperson said: “We’ve been very busy in the centre. Calls have increased by around 40 per cent.”