I’m a real Santa but council is booting me out of grotto where we spoil kids for £17.50 per child – Mrs Claus is gutted
A REAL-life Santa Claus is devastated after jobsworth council officials are booting himself and Mrs Claus from their grotto.
Craig Gillett, AKA Father Christmas, has spread festive cheer through the community for six years while running the magical experience in Somerset with his ‘elves’.
But, the 61-year-old has been threatened by Somerset Council to leave – or be kicked out of his winter wonderland comprising of two wooden huts within Critchill Manor Estate.
The Kris Kringle impersonator dubbed their move “heartbreaking” and “so frustrating”.
“We try and give back to the community for their support – it’s all about giving some fun and joy in people’s lives at the moment,” he said.
“There is so much bad and sad news on all the time – to have children’s innocent faces beaming at you, looking at this character that brings so much happiness.”
Craig runs Santa’s Grotto Frome with his sister Clare Perry and her husband Gordon.
The trio were originally offered their new site by Critchill Manor Estate landowners – and they’re not the only business to set up shop there.
Others include a local cafe and youth football team – nevertheless council official are threatening “enforcement” to tear down the beloved Grotto.
Craig explained the football team attracts over 300 cars to the area yet his Grotto has been squashed for being “unsustainable”.
“The council state our Grotto is not sustainable because there is no public transport to get to the site – but you wouldn’t go on a bus to a golf club,” he said.
“Our previous site had no bus route.
“We have a booking system through a ticket source, so have a mix of two families per 20 minute sessions.”
This would equate to around six cars per hour, according to the heartbroken Santa Claus.
“Our six little cars have very little, if any, impact whatsoever especially as some will be electric,” he added.
Craig also said the wooden buildings erected can be used by homeowners in their gardens without planning permission.
“They are not an eyesore,” he argued, “we are not hurting anybody or encroaching on the field”.
The fuming Father Christmas claimed the future of his seasonal livelihood is at risk due to “one Clark” who won’t let the case go to a committee.
“She is acting like there isn’t a precedence for businesses on that land,” alleged Craig.
The 61-year-old also argued the Grotto provides extra support for local businesses as they attract visitors from as far as London and Bournemouth.
“We hold free sessions for vulnerable children, people in care homes,” said Craig proudly.
“We had a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer, she fought through and is coming back for free visits as an honorary elf.
“We need to assure people we are open and trading for this Christmas.”
Standard ticket prices for Santa’s Grotto From are set at £17.50 for children, or £5.50 for those under one year, while adults pay £7.00.
The experience includes a 20 minute meet and greet which includes being awarded a certificate proving the children are on Santa’s nice list.
Their website states: “Every child will receive quality keepsakes, they will also be given a special sleigh bell that helps Santa deliver your presents safely, whether you have a chimney or not.
“Children will also receive a special item, chosen by Santa himself to bring a smile to your little ones face this Christmas.
“Children will also be given a voucher for a free Baby Chino in the on-site G08 café and licensed bar.”
A spokesperson for Somerset Council stated: “The Council’s Enforcement Team are aware of the unauthorised development and are awaiting the Planning Committee’s decision on the application before determining whether or not any further action is required.”
This comes as many Santa Claus Grottos open up around the UK each year to add a little more magic to the festive season.
However, one site in Manchester didn’t spread the Christmas cheer and was dubbed a “rip off”.
Fuming parents slammed the event, held at Greater Manchester‘s Reddish Vale Farm, after they had to pay £45 per child’s entry, and £16.50 for each adult for the two-hour time slot.
One mum wrote on Facebook: “The price. What a joke.
“Kids missing out all over the place, such a shame.”
One person suggested to a friend they head along, and she replied: “Have you seen the price they are trying to charge? It’s a joke.”
Another Santa meet and greet was branded the worst in the country after children were forced to meet a grumpy and beardless Father Christmas.
The local council had hailed the “festive family event” near the town hall in Northallerton, North Yorks, but residents called it a “complete shambles” after Kris Kringle arrive in his Land Rover.