Misery as Ascot trip cancelled

Irene Price, Lynn Flavell and Elaine Flavell-Bowman were all set for an excursion to Royal Ascot for Ladies' Day on June 18. However they have now received letters from Lichfield-based Past-Time Rail telling them the trip is off after the firm called in liquidators. They have each paid £250 for the trip and now fear they could lose their money.

Regional purchasing manager Mrs Price, aged 60, of Penn Road, Sedgley, said the day out was a Christmas gift from husband Michael who was "really disappointed" his best-laid plans had been scuppered.

"We had all got new outfits and were looking forward to a nice day out. Now we are just going to have to go somewhere else," she said.

"If they can have our money five or six weeks ago, they must know they are in trouble then.

"That's the worst part about it – we wonder if they take your money to pay some other debt off knowing full well they are in trouble."

Mrs Price turned 60 this year in which she also marks her 20th wedding anniversary and the race day was a family celebration with Ms Flavell, a personal assistant at Carillion who lives in School Road, Himley, and Mrs Flavell-Bowman, a child protection manager of Cedar Avenue, Coseley.

The trip was advertised as a chance to arrive at Ascot in "grand style" aboard a private diesel-hauled train carrying only 252 people.

However they have been forced to rethink after receiving letters about Past-Time Rail's problems on June 5.

The firm, which operated railway tours all over the country, has announced on its website it is appointing liquidators citing reasons "beyond our control".

A statement on the company's website reads: "For reasons beyond our control, we have had to cease trading and are regrettably in the process of appointing a liquidator.

"Our offices are now closed. We have traded for many years and many passengers have travelled with us. We are truly sorry for the disappointment and any inconvenience caused by this sad news."