Council chiefs have been branded “scrooges” in a row over the prices of some of its festive offerings at Aberdeen’s Christmas Village.
The Christmas tree maze is one of the centrepieces of the attraction being staged on Union Terrace and Union Terrace Gardens.
However, the cost of entry into the maze has left Midstocket and Rosemount councillor Bill Cormie lacking in festive goodwill – with families being asked to fork out £4 for children as young as two.
Mr Cormie said the local authority should remember the reason of the season and offer discounted rates for families to the facility – which the council has described as “a joy for children and adults alike”.
Union Terrace is again hosting the market which this year includes numerous rides, stalls and an outdoor ice rink.
Mr Cormie said: “I think the prices certainly have to be looked into. A constituent told me they [the parents] had gone in to the maze with their two-year-old, four-year-old and ten-year-old – that’s £20 for just them.
“I was horrified to hear there was no sort of family discount available.
“You would think, with people in the city struggling, that they would do all they can to encourage people to visit the Christmas Village, but prices like these can only put people off coming back.
“It hasn’t been thought through. The attraction shouldn’t just be about making money – it’s about people in the city enjoying themselves over the festive period.”
A council spokesman responded that the prices had been set by the authority in advance.
He said: “The Christmas Tree Maze has been a very popular addition to the Winter Festival programme, designed to complement the Christmas Village, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are pleased with the response to the maze so far, with thousands enjoying the fun already.
“Pricing was set by Aberdeen City Council in conjunction with our contractors Underbelly, taking into account a variety of factors which include the cost of the installation and running of the maze.
“As a family attraction, there is no charge for children under the age of two.
“We do value feedback and will incorporate suggestions and comments into our evaluation as we plan for future years.”
