Holidays cancelled as coach firm Hoverland dissolved

A holiday coach firm has dissolved, leaving customers hundreds of pounds out of pocket and summer break plans in tatters. Hoverland European Holidays has vacated its offices in Willenhall.

Walsall Council trading standards officials today confirmed the company had dissolved and advised holidaymakers who had booked trips with the firm to speak to their bank.

It was today unclear how many jobs have been lost as a result.

The company was revived just three years ago after going into administration, affecting 2,000 customers in the Black Country.

Coach driver Andrew Court and tour manager Ron Burns stepped in to set up a new venture bearing its name. Interim trading standards manager at Walsall Council, Lorraine Boothman, said today: "We have made checks and have established that the company in question has been dissolved.

William and Pauline Brookes, of Bewdley, are just two people who's holiday plans have fallen through because of the firm's demise.

The couple had already paid a £400 deposit for a week-long coach trip around Italy to mark their 40th wedding anniversary when they heard the news.

Mr and Mrs Brookes attempted to pay their final cash instalment for their £958 holiday but, after posting the cheque, they found it had not been cashed and rang the company.

Mrs Brookes, aged 58, said: "We spoke to a receptionist at the office block, and she told us the company had gone under. We couldn't believe it. We'd booked the holiday last year, and we were set to go in just two months."

The couple suffered another blow when they were told by their holiday insurers Post Office that their deposit was not covered by their policy. Mr Brookes, 62, said: "We don't know what do now. We're supposed to be marking our anniversary but we have no plans or money to get another holiday. We're both devastated."

Mr and Mrs Brookes, who live at Riverside Caravan Park and are unemployed, informed Walsall Council's trading standards department about the company's plight. Hoverland European Holidays was unavailable for comment.