Three-decades-old Oundle Travel in Northamptonshire has ceased trading, according to ABTA.

It said the agency, an ABTA member, only sold holidays as an agent for tour operators and directed customers to the companies named on their ATOL certificates.

Oundle Director Paula Cockcroft had earlier posted a message on the agency’s website blaming a sudden huge increase in rent for her decision to close the business.

She said the landlord of the agency’s premises in the market town of Oundle (pictured above) had reneged on a newly agreed lease and proposed a 45% annual rise.

Paula described this as ‘dishonourable and unacceptable’, adding: “I have taken the decision to close Oundle Travel with immediate effect.”

She said she would continue to deal with existing bookings, or offered to refer clients to a colleague.

Paula added: “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has loyally supported my business over the years. However, after a career of 41 years in the industry I have decided to take this opportunity to retire.”