Holiday From Hell

A couple from the South West, say they are stuck in a village in Corfu, which resembles a war zone.

Mick Clarke and wife Jayney claim they are stuck in the village of Agios Gordios, Corfu, which they’ve said has no water, is strewn with rubbish and is making them ill. Mick is a former soldier and says the resort reminds him of his time serving in war-torn Bosnia. And Jayney has a rare blood disorder she calls a “ticking timebomb.”

“This holiday was supposed to help end a really bad time in our lives. I was really ill last year. The stress and upset of this has caused my symptoms to flare again. What makes it worse is that the 24/7 helpline to a UK number actually puts you through to Portugal and India. No one can help. I want to go home. It’s disgusting.”

The couple flew into Corfu from Exeter on Friday night and have been sharing photographs on social media. They say other holidaymakers are paying £200 each to fly home from the village. As well as having no running water for three days, they claim the sea is black with rotting seaweed and there is dog excrement on the beach, the streets are full of overflowing dustbins and to get to the beach access is a tiny bridge made from an old wooden pallet.

A TUI spokesperson said: ” We’re sorry to hear about Mr and Mrs Clarke’s experience in Corfu. We are currently investigating their concerns and will be in contact with them very soon to resolve the matter.”

What do you do if your holiday was not as promised?

• Ask for an official complaint form and get it signed by the hotel staff or tour rep.
• Take photos or video footage of any problems so you have evidence.
• Note the dates and write a general account of events.
• Ask fellow travellers if they would act as witnesses to back up your complaint.
• Keep all receipts of extra expenses you have to pay, such as changing hotel.

 Making a claim when you return home:

• Write to the customer services department of the company involved, whether it’s a hotel chain or a tour operator.
• Give your booking reference, a clear account of the problems, and what compensation you want.
• Enclose copies of all documentary evidence: photos and receipts, but keep the originals in case you need them later.
• If you paid by credit card you could also make a claim to your credit card company. Under Section 75, the credit card company is jointly and severally liable for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by a company for items or services that cost between £100 and £30,000.