'Gutting': Wolverhampton mum tells how her daughter, 5, thought Santa didn't want to see her after garden centre cancelled grotto slots
A five-year-old girl was left thinking Father Christmas did not want to see her after a garden centre cancelled some of its grotto slots due to "unforeseen circumstances".
The Father Christmas grotto is still operating at the Hollybush Garden Centre in Warstone Road in Shareshill near Cannock, but cancelled some of its slots last weekend.
Parent Sarah-Louise Crouch, aged 41, a hospital worker from Wednesfield, told the Express & Star that she was looking forward to visit the attraction near Essington on a rare weekend day off with her five-year-old daughter Sophie and husband Ben, aged 41, when they were informed by email that the centre had dropped their December 7 slot.
She said the situation was "gutting" especially for Sophie who was left thinking "Santa doesn't want to see her anymore" when she told her they would not be going to see the man in the red suit.
"I was told I'd have a refund which I'm still waiting for and was offered the chance to book during the week beginning December 15th instead. I explained that I have no availability for those days due to work.
"I asked the reason for the cancellation and they said they have a staffing issue affecting some time slots", the hospital worker claimed.
Staff at the Hollybush have so far offered alternative dates to the family, but the busy ward hostess said that last Sunday was the only date she had free to visit.
The email to the family from Hollybush stated: "I am so sorry to let you know that due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to run your grotto session this weekend. We will issue your full refund straight away and there is nothing you need to do.
"We know how special a grotto visit is for families and we are truly sorry for the disappointment this may cause.
"We are introducing Breakfast with Santa on selected Saturdays very soon. If you would like first refusal before the dates are released to the public, please reply to this email and we will reserve a place on the early access list for you.
"Alternatively we do have some weekday availability for Santa's Grotto. Thank you for your understanding."
The Hollybush's Christmas grotto attraction is still open and running. The centre has been approached for comment.
