Concerned residents have their say on Thomas Cook's permanent closure - The Redditch Standard

Concerned residents have their say on Thomas Cook's permanent closure

Redditch Editorial 23rd Sep, 2019 Updated: 23rd Sep, 2019   0

THOMAS Cook in the Kingfisher has closed its doors after last-minute negotiations aimed at saving the 178-year-old holiday firm failed.

The UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect and all future flights and holidays are cancelled.

This morning, concerned residents were queuing up outside TUI travel agents, also based in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, asking staff for advice or to rebook their holidays.

Redditch resident Lydia Andrews, who hasn’t been abroad since 2006, said: “I’ve got a family holiday booked for Tenerife in 50 days.




“It was going to be my children’s first-ever time away.

“I think it’s important people recognise we can still care about the people who have lost their jobs, while also worried about our situations too.”


It has been reported that 9,000 British jobs are at risk.

Resident Mark Preston, who has been using Thomas Cook Redditch for twelve years, said: “I was only in there the other day and a new girl had just started.

“She told me not to worry about the ongoing problems with Thomas Cook because she had just been employed.”

Another resident told the Standard they were still able to book a holiday as late as last Friday, September 20.

Thomas Cook UK Plc and associated UK entities have entered Compulsory Liquidation and are now under the control of the Official Receiver.

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said: “If you are due to depart from a UK airport with our airline, please do not travel as your flight will not be operating and you will not be able to travel.

“This repatriation is hugely complex and we are working around the clock to support passengers.

“Please visit thomascook.caa.co.uk for further information.”

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