'Magical Journey' closes a week early after backer pulls out

A family from Nottingham say they're frustrated and disappointed after the heavily criticised 'Magical Journey' Christmas attraction in Sutton Coldfield closed today - a week before schedule.

Organisers of The Magical Journey at The Belfry have blamed the closure on the loss of a key financial backer in the event's final week.

Craig Sullivan's family from Ruddington spent £50 on tickets for tomorrow and booked time off work.

The Magical Journey Christmas attraction at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield has closed today.

They've blamed the loss of a key financial backer in its final week and organisers say they've been left with no other option.

Families booked to attend are being told to contact their debit or credit card provider for a refund.

ITV Central viewers have already been in touch with their reaction after receiving emails from the organisers.

Read: Magical Journey investigates fake reviews

Read: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen pledges to fix Magical Journey

Customers have complained after being placed on hold for "more than a hour" to a company dealing with refunds at the Christmas attraction in the West Midlands which had to close last week because it was not finished.

Hundreds of people complained about the Magical Journey experience at the Belfry Golf Club near Sutton Coldfield, saying it was unfinished.

Organisers said refunds would be given to those affected.

After disgruntled customers told ITV News Central they faced lengthy waits on the phone to speak to advisors about their refunds, the company told us:

"We can confirm that all refunds have been processed for the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday we were closed. In total there were 1010 of these. If you have not had an email form our payment provider, please check your spam folder in case it has found its way in to there. Saturday refunds are taking a little longer to process as we are working through them individually and it is taking an average of 20-30 minutes for each one. We have extra support staff now and are hopeful that all of these will be done by the end of tomorrow."

The attraction, which was created by TV designer Laurence Lewellyn Bowen, reopened to customers on Wednesday this week.

A Christmas attraction that has been closed since Sunday while improvements are made is due to reopen today.

Hundreds of people complained about the Magical Journey experience at the Belfry Golf Club near Sutton Coldfield, saying it was unfinished.

Organisers said they are offering refunds to those affected and the attraction is now ready.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has backed the decision to temporarily close the 'Magical Journey' Christmas experience hosted at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield.

Read: Llewelyn-Bowen tweets pledge to fix 'Magical Journey'

The Belfry Hotel have released a statement after a christmas experience called the 'Magical Journey' has been temporarily closed.

Families who paid £22.50 per ticket took to social media to complain about the attraction, which is held at the Belfry golf club, in Wishaw, Warwickshire.