Some people who bought tickets for Winter Wonderland may be left out of pocket after the firm running the attraction went into liquidation.

Reflective Ice Ltd, which set up the ice rink, fairground and market in Castle Park, announced last night it was entering liquidation with the attraction closed permanently.

The decision was made after unseasonably warm weather, and frequent periods of high winds, meant the rink was unable to be kept frozen.

Today LB Insolvency, which is assisting with the liquidation process, announced it is collating information about bookings made by the public to skate.

It has confirmed Reflective Ice cannot honour bookings, and advised people who bought tickets using credit cards to contact their card company to obtain a refund.

The situation for those who purchased tickets using a debit card depends on their individual terms with their card company. They should also speak to their card company to see if they can get a refund.

However for those who cannot, or anyone – described as a “small minority of customers” – who paid by cheque or cash, will become unsecured creditors with claims against Reflective Ice.

This will place them among a queue of people, including potentially staff and other contractors or suppliers, waiting to get money back.

Any refund enquiries should be made by email to refunds@colchestericerink.co.uk.

Meanwhile, disappointed ticket holders are however being given the opportunity to visit Rollerworld in Colchester for free.

Rollerworld owner Andy Starr has said anyone with a valid ticket to the ice rink could exchange it for a free rollerskating admission and skate hire, or a game of Quasar lasertag, up until January 17.

Mr Starr said: “We want to make sure that skaters do not lose out.

“We are extending an offer in this seasonal time of goodwill to anyone holding a valid ticket to the ice pad.”

Rollerworld and Quasar visitors, other than those taking up the ice skating offer, will also receive a free admission voucher for those visiting over Christmas, to also be redeemed by January 17.

For full information and opening times visit the Rollerworld website