THREE branches of a travel agency – including one in March- have ceased trading and the staff made redundant. Deeping Travel has branches in March, Bourne and Market Deeping but today all the offices were closed. A statement on the company website says

STAFF at the March branch of a travel agency which this week ceased trading were given a glowing tribute by a customer hours after losing their jobs.

Deeping Travel, which had a branch in High Street next to the Town Bridge, ceased trading on Monday after a history spanning more than 40 years.

The company is now in the hands of accountants Bulley Davey of Peterborough, which will contact customers to reassure them their holidays are secure through travel operator ABTA.

Liquidator Alan Thornton, of Bulley Davey, said: “The company is insolvent; it ceased trading on November 30.

“We are hoping to get letters out to all customers to reassure them and give them details with the tour operator’s details in the course of the next few days.

“It is another business that has closed due to financial difficulties, but more and more people are also booking holidays online. Sadly that’s the way things are now.”

The company had three branches in Bourne, Market Deeping and March.

Nine staff, including director John Lawrence, have been made redundant. They include March staff Jane Savage, who worked for Deeping Travel for 26 years, and Lisa Howe.

Both Jane and Lisa returned to the branch on Tuesday to make sure files were up-to-date for creditors and that customers got their tickets.

Customer Jo Jutsom, of March, contacted this newspaper to praise staff for helping them to keep their travel arrangements intact.

She said: “Rather than leave everyone with an impending trip in dire straits, Jane and Lisa called as many people as they could to come and get their tickets before they were sent to an insolvency agency.

“Even though Jane and Lisa were no longer employed that day, they still had the decency to try to help their customers.

“My Christmas is going to be fantastic this year with all the hard work and planning done by Jane. Whilst we are travelling around the world, Jane will be looking for another job.

“I am so grateful to Jane for being thoughtful and thinking of others whilst her world was falling apart.

“Thank you Jane (and others), your services will surely be missed and it’s another huge loss for March.”

A sign in the window of the March shop, dated December 1, said: “Should you require any further information at this time, please contact Mr Thornton at Bulley Davey on 01733 569494.

“We would like to thank all clients for their business over the years.”

A creditors meeting, which will inform creditors of the financial position of Deeping Travel, is planned for December 23.

The closure means that the town is left with no travel agency office. Earlier this year Galaxy Travel shut its doors.

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