Warning over Lapland attraction

The attraction is being set up near Essington

A council has warned people to "think carefully" about attending a planned Lapland-style attraction in Staffordshire.

Lapland West Midlands, which is to open near Essington on Saturday, promises "an enchanting experience" including real huskies, reindeer and an ice show.

But Staffordshire County Council said it was "extremely concerned" about the event and that promises would go unmet.

The organisers have said they would resolve issues raised by authorities.

The county council said it only became aware of the event four days ago and had trading standards' concerns.

"There are currently serious concerns about whether the organisers will be able to deliver on their website's promises given the current state of the site," a council statement said.

"Deliberately misleading the public over the nature of a paid-for event is a criminal offence."

Traffic concerns

It said Bognop Lane, where the attraction was being set up, was narrow and unsuitable for the volume of traffic the event was likely to attract.

There were also concerns over animal health and that the animals would be properly looked after, it said.

The council said reindeer could only be moved onto the site by holders of special permits and it was "not aware that such permits exist".

Councillor Carol Dean said: "We are extremely concerned about this event.

"We are monitoring the situation and will have officers on-hand tomorrow to check the site and advise the public."

Cartoon characters

South Staffordshire District Council said on Thursday that the event did not have an entertainment licence, which it would need if it went ahead as described on its website.

The website for the attraction says it is "nothing to do with Lapland New Forest" which closed down after some visitors' criticisms were featured in the media.

Lapland West Midlands is offering tickets for £25, which it says includes attractions such as cartoon characters on ice, stilt walkers and nativity plays.

The site says "once inside everything is free", although a footnote adds food is not included.

The organisers have been contacted for a response.