Stag firm problems anger party goers

By Catherine Burns
Newsbeat Reporter

Jamie Roberts called Brilliant Weekends, but got a pre-recorded message

Party-goers have been left in the lurch because a company that organises hen and stag dos has gone bust.

Some groups have lost thousands of pounds and have told Newsbeat they've not even had a phone call to warn them their trips haven't been paid for.

Jamie Roberts booked his stag do with Brilliant Weekends months ago.

He, along with 18 of his closest mates, were due to go on a three night trip to Bath.

They had hired a couple of a narrow-boats, and had paid for a meal and entry into a club. It cost them £255 each, a total of £4,590.

Gone bust

His only worry was what his friends would do to him. He thought they might try to strip him naked, shave his eyebrows or dress him up in stupid outfits.

Then, just 10 days before he was due to go, he called the boat company to check some details.

I'm just really frustrated that no-one has rang me and explained what's happened Jamie Roberts

They told him Brilliant Weekends had gone bust, and their trip hadn't been paid for.

Jamie said his heart sank when he found out. He said he called Brilliant Weekends, but got a pre-recorded answer phone message.

It said the company apologised, but that they had "ceased trading" and their offices were closed.

He said: "I'm just really frustrated that no-one has rang me and explained what's happened. Even to give me a bit of notice to try and organise something else."

'Completely devastated'

The owner of Brilliant Weekends has told Newsbeat they were hit by the credit crunch and the falling value of the pound against the Euro.

Then when their credit card company asked for extra fees they couldn't afford, they had to shut down the business.

Richard Dennys, who started the company with his wife, said: "We are completely devastated that we have lost our savings, our investment and our livelihood.

"We are also very aware of the financial loss, disappointment and inconvenience to our customers created by the demise of our business and can only express our deep apologies.

Jamie's heart sank when he realised he was left out of pocket

"We have tried every avenue to avoid this situation but to no avail."

He says customers who have just paid a deposit should get in touch with another company, ReleaseTravel.co.uk.

They've offered to try to help people re-book without losing out too much.

That's not really an option for anyone who has paid the full amount.

But if they've booked flights, they should be able to get a full refund from the Civil Aviation Authority.

There's also hope for people who have booked on their credit cards.

You get more legal protection from them than using debit cards.

Second stag

That's not much good to Jamie though.

He put the trip on his debit card, and his mates all paid him what they owed.

So they don't have any protection. His only slim chance is to get in touch with his bank and ask if they can help.

"Your stag do is one of the most important times of your life. And just to be left like this with nothing, you know, I just feel really, really angry about it," he said.

He's decided that he's still going on his stag weekend, and has re-booked the boats. That's costing him another £2,000.

He's not sure where he's going to find the money, and figures he'll have to send out fewer wedding invites.

"I'm just going to go and enjoy it. Make the best out of a bad situation," he added.