Butlin’s forced to cancel more half-term holidays following flood damage
BUTLIN’S has been forced to apologise to guests after announcing that it would be cancelling holidays during the October half-term.
Flooding at the resort in Minehead, Somerset, left accommodation units in need of repair, after torrential downpours last month.
Initially, the pool, restaurant and entertainment venue Centre Stage were shut, before the whole park had to close its doors for four days.
Some guests said their accommodation was flooded with “filthy contaminated water” and reported rats “swimming about outside”.
Even though the park has since reopened, not everyone will be able to visit as planned during half-term.
The holiday company claims that the damage caused by the flooding is “more extensive” than had first appeared, leaving them with no option but to cancel people’s holidays.
However, the park says it has made efforts to move or accommodate people elsewhere, before making the decision to cancel their stays.
A statement from Butlin’s reads: “As you’re all aware, Somerset received exceptional rainfall and flooding a few weeks ago.
“We were very happy to reopen less than one week later, with the full Butlin’s experience and start to welcome guests back to resort.
“Following the closure of a small number of our accommodation, our team have been working hard to dry, fix and replace the affected units.
“We’ve had further assessments made on the impacted units and unfortunately the damage is more extensive than first thought, and we will have to announce further cancellations for our October Half Term breaks (23rd Oct – 2nd Nov).
“Cancelling your holiday is a decision we do not take lightly and we are very sorry. Where possible we will try and move/accommodate as many of you as possible.”
Those whose holidays have been cancelled should have been contacted already.
Butlin’s has assured people that no further cancellations are expected on top of this latest set.
The statement continued: “We’ll begin contacting lead guests from today for breaks starting on the 23rd, 27th and 30th October via email and SMS.
“Please do check your junk mail folders and let us know if you’ve changed any of your contact details via PM/DM.
“All emails and SMS’ should be with you today for these dates. If you haven’t heard from us by the end of today, it means your break is going ahead as planned.
“We know if you have a break booked after these dates, you’ll be worried about your holiday.
“We’d like to reassure you, there are no further cancellations planned for our family breaks.
“It may be we do still need to contact a small number of you to move you to another unit of accommodation, from what you originally booked.
“Please note, we will do everything to accommodate your needs and if you’re not happy with your new unit, you still have the right to request a refund or move your break.
“Our phone lines continue to be very busy, so please do bear with us. If you’ve requested a refund, this will be processed automatically.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our guests who have been impacted by the recent cancellations, for your patience and understanding”.
A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “After assessing the damage caused to our Minehead resort by the worst rainfall in decades, we’re regrettably having to cancel a small number of bookings on the upcoming October Half Term breaks.
“There are no further cancellations planned on future family breaks. We’ve done everything possible to accommodate guests and we never want to let anyone down.
“We’ll be contacting those impacted directly outlining their options including a full refund.”
Meanwhile, this is what you should do if your flights are cancelled.
And this little-known holiday park has been crowned the best in the UK.