A HOST of popular festive activities at a Worcester garden centre have been cancelled due to coronavirus safety worries.

St Peter’s Garden Centre in Broomhall have cancelled their Spooky Halloween Walk, Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Funfair.

Owner of the site, William Blake, said: “Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold any of our usual events for the remainder of this year. It’s not a decision I have taken lightly, and we are terribly sorry about it, but given the circumstances, and trying to maintain the safety of our team and customers, it feels like right thing to do."

The garden centre took the decision in light of the worsening situation with rising Covid cases in the county.

Worcester mum, Emily Letourneau, who has previously enjoyed the attractions, said: “I’m very sad we won’t be able to visit the usual St Peter’s attractions at Christmas this year. It was a highlight of the Christmas season for my daughter and grandson. There are going to be many differences this year and in the great scheme of things this is a minor adjustment. My thoughts will be with the many people for whom this pandemic has been much worse than just missing some of their usual Christmas traditions.”

Mr Blake said staff intended to decorate the garden centre to bring Christmas cheer to shoppers and would still do late night shopping on Thursdays and Fridays from the end of November.

He said: “We wanted to work help other sectors who have been badly affected by Covid-19, and who are struggling to recover, so we have found little ways to work with local actors and artists.

“Our overall theme will be traditional Christmas ‘pantomimes.’ We have lined up a brilliant local artist to paint backdrops for each of our decorations areas, and all being well, there may be an actor or two adding to the atmosphere during the festive period. Thank you again for your ongoing support, it’s been a very tough year, but it makes it so much easier when we feel the warmth and support of you, our lovely customers.”