Travel company collapses causing hardship to hundreds

12.26.00am GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats have expressed their support for the hundreds of Borough residents who have lost money through the collapse of Qibla Travel agents of Old Montague Street off Brick Lane.

Speaking today Councillors Abdul Matin and Azizur Rahman Khan said "Many people have lost money and their passports. The money was given in good faith to this company to enable people to travel to Hajj. Now many people who have worked hard all year to save this money are suffering badly"

Councillor Stephanie Eaton called for greater regulation of travel companies and protection for all travellers. She said "The trip to Hajj is very important for Muslim residents. It is a tragedy when the money disappears and people have to find the money again or miss their pilgrimage. Some people have only one opportunity to do Hajj. We need stronger regulation of businesses to ensure money and passports cannot just disappear".

If you are affected by the collapse of Qibla Travel please contact the Liberal Democrats for advice and assistance. Cllr Eaton can be contacted on 07941 303 976 and Cllr Khan can be contacted on 07985 688 471.