Thousands of customers hopes for a refund for tickets bought for the controversial New Forest Lapland have today been dealt a blow.

The company yesterday shut down the attraction and encouraged those who had prepaid for tickets to contact their website.

But last night Laplands New Forest website was sold and no longer displays any information on how customers can get their money back.

The site was bought at 11.55pm through the Internet firm 123-reg and does not contain anything to do with the controversial Matchams Christmas theme park.

Victor Mears, the Brighton-based director of Lapland New Forest, had advised customers yesterday to check the website for further information on refunds.

The Echo has put in numerous calls to the promoters this morning but without success.

Dorset Council said people seeking their money back should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

People were being advised to write to the registered address of Laplands New Forest, and they could get the address from Consumer Direct.

A spokesman for the Office of Fair Trading said people who have been to the park but are unhappy should write to the company at its listed address – Unit 1, Wildpark House, Home Farm Road, Brighton.

People who have not been to the park but have bought tickets on their credit cards should contact their card companies and those who have paid by debit card should contact their banks.

The park’s operation is still being investigated by trading standards and East Dorset District Council.

Yesterday, efforts to contact Lapland New Forest’s director Victor Mears were unsuccessful. There was no answer at the flat in Selsfield Drive, Brighton, which is listed by Companies House as Victor Mears’ home.