Shearings no longer taking new bookings

The coach tour operator confirmed the move in an update posted to its website on Wednesday (20 May). "No new bookings for future travel will be taken until further notice," read the message from the business, signed by managing director Jane Atkins.

Shearings says is also not able to offer refunds at the moment due to the volume of bookings affected by Covid-19 travel restrictions, "in line with current Abta and Bonded Coach Holiday guidelines".

It is asking customers to accept credit instead. "Our holiday credit notes offer the same financial protection as the original holiday you booked," says Shearings. "If you are unable to redeem this credit note by the expiry date, we will contact you to discuss other options.

"We are really sorry but we are not in a position to facilitate a refund right now. The holiday credit note does allow for a refund if it isn’t redeemed by the expiry date. This stance is supported by our trade association Abta."

The message also states all coach holidays and coach holiday credit is protected by the BCH scheme, and all air holidays by the Atol scheme.