A COUPLE from Christchurch are taking legal action against tour operator First Choice claiming a series of problems turned their festive break into a holiday from hell.

Janet and John Cox from Purewell are seeking compensation after they say their winter break to the Dominican Republic was ruined by the “unacceptable” treatment from the company.

They say they were left feeling abandoned, intimidated and in urgent need of hospital treatment after Janet, 63, became ill with stomach cramps, diarrhoea and sickness.

According to the couple, they made a series of calls to the rep over the flies on the food, the constant smell of sewerage and drunken arguments from other guests.

They say the company only responded to them once they were informed Janet was in hospital suffering from severe dehydration.

Janet said: “As soon as I fell ill, we tried to contact First Choice to get an earlier flight but there was just nothing.

“Then, as soon as they knew I was in hospital they said we would have to persuade the hotel to pay half the cost if we wanted to return early.”

The couple were eventually moved to a new hotel, which they say was no better.

Once home, John sent a comprehensive account of the ordeal to First Choice asking for their money back and compensation but did not receive any reply to their complaint.

John, 60, said: “I was so frustrated. My wife had been seriously ill and came away from the holiday with a permanent bowel problem due to the illness.”

Mark Watts, from travel law specialists Irwin Mitchell who are representing the couple said: “Such disregard for a client’s health and safety is simply unacceptable.

“Tour operators such as First Choice have a duty to ensure that the hotels and resorts they send their clients to, meet the standards that are in place for a very good reason.”

A spokesperson for First Choice said: “At First Choice, the health and safety of our customers is our primary concern.

“We would like to reassure our customers that every effort is taken to safeguard their health and wellbeing whilst abroad.

“First Choice closely monitors all the hotels to which it operates to ensure that the health, safety, hygiene and comfort levels our customers expect are maintained.

“The First Choice legal department fully investigate any claims received and will respond as soon as possible.

“In this instance, as Mr and Mrs Cox are pursuing legal action we are unable to comment further on this particular case to ensure that our comments do not interfere or influence any future legal proceedings. First Choice will be in touch with their solicitor in due course.”