AN actor who was employed to scare people at a controversial scream park says she is still waiting to be paid.

The Doomsday attraction which ran in Castle Park during October to coincide with Halloween employed approximately 20 actors to spook people in three mazes which were based on Colchester's history.

But the firm which put on the event - which also featured a world first execution experience called The Verdict - have now allegedly failed to pay a number of members of staff who helped put on the show.

Part-time actress Hannah Dawson, 26, had worked with the directors of Bad Omens on previous project and was initially excited to be involved, but is now more than £300 out of pocket and still awaiting a pay packet more than two months after it was due.

She said: "I got sent a message from one of the directors asking if I wanted to be involved and it sounded like a good opportunity.

"But part way through it seemed as if there were issues and the actors actually went on strike because of issues with our contracts.

"Initially contracts were not being handed for us to sign, after arguments regarding payment amount arose, new contracts were promised at a minimum wage agreement and yet after asking multiple times for our updated contracts this just was not happening until we made a stand.

"It was important to myself and other colleagues, that everything within the contracts were satisfactory to us, before we continued our work.

"It seemed like we were being given a bunch of excuses.

"Within the contracts, it stated that we would be paid for the event, on November 30th 2017, but we all received an email stating we will be paid however there was suspected fraudulent activity and this had to be investigated before payment could occur.

"A few more weeks went by to which, we were provided with countless excuses, as to why there was such a delay."

Concerns have also been raised about health and safety standards on the site including a number of trip hazards, loose nails and

Hannah worked evening shifts at the attraction and is owed £315, with some actors who performed the afternoon sessions as well due more than £500.

She added: "They used us to create the event, then chucked us to the sidelines, without even a hint of consideration.

"On behalf of all staff at Doomsday, we stand together with the same aim; to make the public aware of these people, for their lack of professionalism, and not paying what they owe.

"We hope these people are shamed, and never to work within the industry again."

The Gazette attempted to contact Bad Omens director Benjamin Freer, and Porl Matthews who resigned from his role last month, but neither responded.

Bad Omens run the event for Colchester Events Company - a commercial arm of Colchester Council.

A spokesman for the authority said: “We are aware of a number of outstanding contractual arrangements with Bad Omens, and are currently reviewing future commissions with the company.”