Christmas boat trips at Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust cancelled due to lockdown restrictions

CEO of the trust Traci Dix-Williams said it was with a "heavy heart" that the boat trips were no longer going ahead – despite tickets being sold months in advance.

She said: "Despite our understanding that we were an outdoor attraction - further guidance on what is recognised as indoors has been issued and our Caverns and Tunnels now fall in this category. Due to being located in a Tier 3 area we therefore cannot take visitors on the boat trip.

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"This means that if you are booked for any of the following dates we have had to unfortunately cancel your trip.

"Friday, December 4, Saturday, December 5, Sunday, December 6, Friday, December 11, Saturday, December 12, Sunday, December 13.

"We know this is a disappointment for everyone, our staff have worked so hard decorating the site and getting it ready to reopen safely.

"Cancelling the trips will be a big financial hit for us in what has already been an exceptionally challenging year and we were all looking forward to welcoming Christmas and seeing you all enjoying a magical visit.

"We have looked at all options available but without our boat trips we do not feel we can offer a quality visit whilst the current restrictions are in place and so we will be issuing refunds to all booked on trips up to December 16. This will be done automatically, if you have not received your refund by the end of next week please contact us on refunds@dctt.org.uk.

"We are crossing our fingers that after the government review on December 16 our status may change and we can start the trips again. We will update you as soon as we can.

"We thank you all for your understanding in this matter but ensuring the safety of our visitors, staff and community must be our main priority."

Anyone who would like to still support the trust can donate to the Keep Us Afloat Campaign at www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/Appeal/money