A COUPLE whose summer holiday was ruined by diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps are taking legal action.

Richard and Ann Thurlow, of Bowburn, say several people fell ill during their two-week break at the three-star Hotel Belleville, in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, earlier this month (July).

The retired couple say food was undercooked, left uncovered for long periods, served at the wrong temperature and new food was added to old.

Now they and five others holidaymakers have instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Amandeep Samra, a travel lawyer, said the reports were “very worrying”.

“It is too early to identify the cause of the illness and whether more could have been done to prevent it. Our investigations will include consideration of the conditions and hygiene measures which were in place at the hotel at the time to prevent the spread of illness.

“We are now investigating the cause of the illness and would urge anyone else who suffered issues to contact us as they may be able to help with our enquiries.”

Mrs Thurlow, 52, said she and her husband were waiting for the results of tests to see what was wrong with them and the experience made their holiday a “nightmare”.

“The food and hygiene standards at the Hotel Belleville were not at all what we expected when we booked the holiday and both of us fell ill just a few days after arriving.

“We have now instructed Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of our illness because we want answers about what caused our nightmare holiday.”

The holiday was booked with Airtours, trading as Thomas Cook Tour Operations.

A spokeswoman said the health and safety of its customers was always its primary concern and while it had no record of sickness reported, it was very concerned to learn of it. She said the company was made aware of the Thurlows’ allegations on Tuesday, July 21 but was unaware the couple had sought legal representation until a press release was issued to the media yesterday (Monday, July 27).

“We are awaiting direct contact from the Thurlow’s legal representatives with regard to these allegations. In anticipation of receiving this, we are unable to provide any further comment so as not to unduly influence any possible future legal proceedings,” the spokeswoman said.