Holidaymakers Contact Specialists In Relation To Problems This Year

Specialist lawyers who are helping victims of separate illness outbreaks at Butlins in Bognor Regis in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to gain justice regarding the problems they faced have once again revealed concerns after being instructed for the fourth consecutive year in relation to the resort.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of illness experts, which recently issued court proceedings against Butlins’ parent company Bourne Leisure Ltd on behalf of more than 200 people affected by illness at the site in 2011, have now commenced investigations for holidaymakers who suffered symptoms of gastric illness at the resort in May and June this year.

Among the complaints raised by some of the latest Butlins' guests to ask the specialist legal team for help include concerns that some food was not kept at the correct temperature during display in the buffet areas. Some guests also reported unclean glasses and cutlery in the restaurants. There are also reports that some food appeared to have been recycled from meal to meal. Other complaints include occasional overcrowding of the swimming pools and water which sometimes appeared discoloured and dirty. Some guests also complained of unpleasant odours in the main auditorium.

The latest cases make 2014 the fourth consecutive year that Irwin Mitchell, which represents thousands of holidaymakers affected by illness outbreaks at hotels and resorts across the globe, has been asked for help regarding Butlins in Bognor Regis.

As well as the 219 people it represents from 2011, the team is also working to secure justice for 14 people affected by problems in 2012 and another 23 who fell ill during stays in 2013.

Expert Opinion

Having heard first-hand accounts regarding the problems that our clients have faced at Butlins in Bognor Regis in recent years, we are deeply concerned to hear reports of fresh problems at the resort. We will now be commencing our own investigations into the concerns which have been outlined to us, with a view to gaining a better understanding of what holidaymakers have faced.”

"The impact that holiday illness can have on victims cannot be underestimated and we see numerous examples in our work where people have developed serious, long-term health issues as a result of suffering such problems.

"Due to the seriousness of these issues, we are determined to work quickly and thoroughly to understand these problems and would urge anyone else affected to please get in touch to help us with our enquiries." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner

Among the holidaymakers who have contacted Irwin Mitchell regarding problems at Butlins in Bognor Regis this year is Carl Newton, from Felixstowe in Suffolk, who was bedridden for the majority of his five-day stay at the resort in June with his wife Keri, 31, and two sons Zack, 2, and Brandon, 4.

Carl, 31, a freight fording manager recalls: “The entire break was a write-off – I fell ill on only the second day at the site with symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as fever, dehydration and abdominal pains.

“Two days on, my condition worsened to the point where my wife had to call NHS Direct for advice – I was in a really bad way. I saw my GP on my return home and while some of the symptoms have calmed down, I still feel far from 100 per cent and had to take some time off work to recover.

“It was just so depressing – this was meant to be a chance for me to spend quality time together with my family and it was just ruined. My wife was left to look after our two boys on her own, while I missed out on being with them.

“I’m really worried about hearing how other people have been affected by problems in the past and I want answers as to what happened, as well as reassurances that other people are not going to see their precious family holidays affected by such issues.”

If you've suffered an illness whilst abroad or on holiday, our personal injury solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Holiday Sickness Claims & Illness Compensation page for more information.