CARE home staff looking forward to their Christmas party had the festive celebration cancelled at the 11th hour.

The 10 staff from Leycester House in Mobberley had paid £450 to attend a Fantasia event at Witton Albion Social Club on Saturday.

Tickets were £48 or £450 for a group booking of 10, and the event promised champagne, magic, fire breathers, three-course dinner, vodka lounge, Grey Goose luge, illusionist, comedian, disco and DJ.

Noel Gallagher, who ran the social club as ‘Witton Club Ltd’ – with no affiliation to the football club – said he was forced to cancel three of the four events, having been let down by ‘several factors’.

Mr Gallagher said the events’ planning was hindered by family illness, and everyone who had booked and had missed out would receive a full refund. Witton Club Ltd has entered liquidation.

The Leycester House staff were refunded their £450 on Sunday.

“We were all looking forward to the Christmas party, and had been promised a fantastic evening of spectacular entertainment and food,” said Debbie Gregory, activities co-ordinator at the home.

“With their hard-earned cash the staff paid their deposit and then the amount in full.

“On Monday, December 10 a friend alerted the staff of problems with the event via social media, and the staff tried to contact Mr Gallagher, to no avail.

“The girls were getting increasingly worried about the situation and needed to know if the event was going ahead.

“The next day a statement on social media said the event had been cancelled. The girls work hard all year round, and had saved for this night out as a treat for Christmas.

“We are still miffed despite getting the money refunded, but are planning to have a post-Christmas party in the new year.”

Mr Gallagher said: “It started while my stepdaughter was in hospital seriously ill. Nothing had been cancelled or put in jeopardy at that point, but people were complaining and asking for refunds and it spiralled out of control on Facebook.

“I posted a heartfelt apology and explanation but people were still unhappy.

“We held one night and were let down by several factors. I want to apologise to everyone who booked and missed out.

“Everyone who has had a ticket cancelled will receive a refund. Witton Club Ltd has entered into liquidation.”

Witton Albion FC chairman John Salmon said: “The board of directors decided for the 2018/19 season to sublet the social club under a franchise agreement to Noel Gallagher operating as The Witton Club.

"Social function bookings and payments were made to Mr Gallagher and not to Witton Albion FC.

"Following issues concerning scheduled social functions and a number of complaints from the public the club moved swiftly to terminate the agreement.”