INDEPENDENT travel agent, Howard Travel, say they have been ‘inundated’ with calls from concerned holiday goers after the collapse of holiday company Thomas Cook.

The Trowbridge Thomas Cook shop will not be opening its doors again after the announcement, resulting in thousands of employees potentially losing their job across the country.

Thomas Cook issued a statement this morning saying: “We are sorry to announce that Thomas Cook has ceased trading with immediate effect. All Thomas Cook booking including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled. Please visit thomascook.caa.co.uk for further advice and information.”

Linda Foote, managing director of Howard Travel in Trowbridge, has spoken out and said: “It’s very sad particularly for Thomas Cook. They are very respected but from a client’s point of view it’s a worry.

“The important thing is that Thomas Cook are Atol protected so people will be able to get their money back. Even if they booked through a travel agent or through Thomas Cook your money will be protected. Staff here are working hard trying to deal with it by getting holidays rebooked or refunded.”

The holiday agent has cancelled all their flights leaving 150,000 Brits stranded abroad and those people with future holidays booked, now without a holiday.

Mrs Foote added: “It will be very hectic as it’s a major operation for them so there will be delays with information, but it will settle down.”

A petition to ‘Save Thomas Cook’ has been launched and already has gained thousands of signatures.

If you’re currently abroad The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will arrange return flights back to the UK, on or before October 6. After this, people will be expected to arrange their own transport.

For more information, contact your travel provider or thomascook.caa.co.uk