Doncaster couple told they won't get full refund on holiday cottage booked during lockdown

A Doncaster couple have expressed their anger after being told they won’t get a full refund on a holiday cottage they had booked – despite the coronavirus lockdown.
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Rob and Helen Jenkins booked a cottage through holiday firm Sykes Holiday Cottages.

But they say they have been told to rebook the property for a later date – and potentially be charged more.

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The couple had booked a house in Ripon, North Yorkshire for a 65th birthday party in June.

The couple had booked a break in Ripon.The couple had booked a break in Ripon.
The couple had booked a break in Ripon.

But with the lockdown still in full force and the pair unlikely to be able to travel, they have asked for a refund, according to the Daily Mail.

He said: “Sykes is just being greedy – and is ignoring the fact that we are in the middle of a crisis.”

He handed over a £30 initial deposit in February and were told last month to pay the next £390 installment on their £1,200 booking.

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Mr Jenkins was told that even if he cancelled, the £390 would still have to be paid, along with a £59 admin fee. If he wished to rebook, he would have to pay up to £600 on top of the £1,200 because of 'price hikes'.

The couple had not paid for the booking up-front and refused to hand over the cash.

A spokesman for the firm, which has more than 10,000 cottages on its books, said: “We are working tirelessly with property owners to facilitate refunds to as many as we can. We have waived fees for travel before June 14 so that our customers can easily amend bookings.”