Holiday camp bosses have closed their doors to darts fans – and the Coral UK Open will be played behind closed doors this weekend.
Although the tournament is being screened on ITV4 as planned, managers at the Butlin's resort in Minehead have told guests it is not safe for them to attend.
Peter 'Snakebite' Wright will defend his first major title in the eerily quiet resort where guests who arrived before the 'Beast from the East' brought record snowfall to the West country have been told they can stay – but only until it is safe to pack their bags and travel home.
It is the second weather-related setback for the Professional Darts Corporation's crowded fixture calendar after Thursday night's Premier League date in Exeter was postponed on police advice because 4,500 fans risked being stranded in the blizzards.
A Butlin's statement said: “Due to the unprecedented extreme weather conditions, we have regretfully decided not to allow guests to attend this weekend's UK Open at our resort in Minehead for safety reasons.
“However, the tournament will take place behind closed doors and be broadcast on ITV4 as scheduled.
“Guests already on our resort can be assured their accommodation will be available to them until it is safe to travel home. Any guests who have not started their journey are urged NOT to do so and we would ask you to turn around and head home when it is safe.”