A new entertainment venue in Westbury was forced to apologise after dozens of people complained about the access and parking arrangements for its Bonfire Night Fireworks Display.

The View in Westbury came under fire from individuals and families who found it difficult to access the White Horse Country Park venue to park on Saturday evening.

Families and individuals were asked to pre-book for the event, including a £5 charge per vehicle introduced at short notice when parking issues arose.

Some drivers gave up queuing and caused traffic chaos by parking on nearby verges and roads on local housing developments after finding that parking spaces at The View were unavailable.

Some complained that a 55-seater coach due to ferry passengers to the venue from the Champion car park had failed to arrive, while a free shuttle bus services from Trowbridge was reportedly unable to get through.

Families said they had paid £10 to watch the display but because they had taken 1.45 hours to get into the car park, they had missed most of the fireworks.

One person said: “We then missed the fireworks as they started at 7pm, and we finally got in at 7.10pm, so they lasted ten minutes.

“My child was so upset and with little money at the moment, this was a treat for us.”

Another said: “Wow, what an absolute shambles last night’s event was. Don’t think it could have been anymore poorly organised if you tried. Three very disappointed children. Will be seeking reimbursement.”

Someone else commented: “About 40 of us waiting for the coach and we call can see the fireworks going off in the distance. I hope you’re giving refunds because of your poor organisation.”

The View had promised visitors a “firework extravaganza” with music and a laser show, as well as a bonfire, fun fair, hot food stalls and a bar, from 5pm to 10pm.

But it was accused of ‘overselling’ parking spaces as some drivers found there were none available after they had paid the £5 charge per vehicle.

In one post on local social media, an angry person said: “What an absolute joke of an event you ran last night.”

Another commented: “The display and lasers were great. Wasn’t exactly a fairground as advertised and the toilets were vile.

“We got stuck in the car park as the marshals just rammed cars in leaving no way to exit.”

A local resident said: “I live in Millbrook, a new development in Westbury, and last night trying to get to my house to park was like an obstacle course. Cars were parked in every bit of road.

“In future, if The View runs an event I hope they have the decency to remember that their neighbours are affected and to at least pre-warn us.”

In response, The View said: “We fully appreciate everyone’s concerns in regards to parking and accessing the event.

“Although we never advertised parking we were planning on providing this but our plans fell through last minute leaving us with limited time and options.

“We apologise for the short notice, the last thing we want to do is to upset the local community. As a business all we are trying to do is bring something nice to Westbury and we can assure you it’s not about profiting from such event.”

The View also refused to offer disappointed visitors a refund, saying the event had been laid on at “a considerable cost” and that it would be “unviable” if they were to issue refunds.