A WESTHOUGHTON couple whose Caribbean holiday was ruined by illness have joined 200 families in a storm of protest at holiday giant Airtours. Tourists staying at the Marena Beach Hotel in the Dominican Republic have complained that poor hygiene standards at the all-inclusive complex caused illnesses including diarrhoea and dehydration. Legal action is being considered which could lead to a major compensation claim.

Lilian and Ian Cheetham say they endured a nightmare break at the hotel last month.

Mrs Cheetham says she suffered the effects of severe diarrhoea for almost the entire two week trip.

She said: "It ruined everything obviously, it just wasn't a holiday at all. My husband also suffered the stomach upset, though fortunately not as badly as me.

"One of the ladies we met on the trip ended up on a drip, so I suppose we came off lightly compared to that."

The Cheethams, who are both in their 50s, only attempted to go on one excursion. Mrs Cheetham added: "It just wasn't worth even trying, I needed to be near the toilet all the time. "I was prescribed some medication from the local clinic, but that only cleared things up for a day or so.

Following their return Mrs Cheetham has visited her doctor and undergone a series of tests.

Brenda Wall, of Holiday Travelwatch, which has brought the holidaymakers together to consider legal action, said: "We were already looking into complaints from people who stayed at the Marena Beach Hotel last summer. Then around 70 people who stayed at the hotel in October last year complained to us.

"We made sure that Airtours were aware of the problems, but they continued to send people to the hotel, and we are now dealing with tourists who were staying there in February of this year."

Airtours say they have now cancelled their arrangements with the hotel. The company said: "We are talking to customers to understand the nature and cause of their illness, and are conducting an investigation. We sympathise with these customers and will consider each case swiftly."

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