From P Gray.
WE are continually being reminded to ‘buy local’ where possible and personally I think that this is only right.

However, I have to say that if the attitude of a couple of our local travel agents is anything to go by, then I can understand why people look elsewhere and revert to popular travel websites when booking a holiday.

I called one of our local travel agents to inquire about a holiday advertised in a recent copy of the JEP. The lady I spoke to took down all my details and said that someone would call me back as soon as possible to discuss my requirements.

After two days I was still waiting on a call back so I decided to express my concern to the agency manager. The lady in question was on another call but I was assured that she would call me back that afternoon. A further two days later and I’m still waiting.

I then decided to give another well known travel agent a chance and called in to pick up some brochures. I walked into the shop, which was completely empty apart from five bored looking ‘service’ agents, browsed for five minutes and then left. During this time, no one said hello, no one asked if I needed any help and no one said goodbye.

In fact the only conversation in the shop was between two members of staff who, admittedly, were involved in an important discussion – on the colour of their highlights.

Now while I don’t expect people to trip over themselves to help it would be nice if there was some semblance of client service within this so-called service industry.

At the moment there seem to be just two choices: shop for travel online, getting a good deal but with no personal service, or buy local, pay more and still get no personal service. Tough choice? I know which option I’ll go for in the future.