Holidaying Dance Group Struck by Illness Wins £85,000

Members of a dance group who became ill whilst on holiday have won compensation from a Yorkshire hotel.

The group, most of whom were pensioners, was staying at the Clifton Hotel in Scarborough. The hotel had experienced an outbreak of gastric illness the previous week, but the party was not told about it. There was also no information provided by the hotel as to what guests should do in the event of illness.

43 of the 46 holidaymakers subsequently fell ill with muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea and fatigue. They reported that staff seemed unconcerned about the problem and made little effort to help. Some members of the dance group continued to experience symptoms after returning home.

Because of the outbreak, the holiday was ruined for the group, which included one couple who were celebrating 40 years of marriage. A claim was brought on their behalf against the owners of the hotel and compensation of £85,000 was agreed.