THE impact of the volcanic ash cloud has been worse than the Atlantic restrictions in the wake of the World Trade Centre attacks for Huddersfield’s travel agents.

Susan Birkenshaw, manager of Jetset Travel Ltd in Lindley, said: “We are managing to re-book people to later dates. Our main problem has been getting through to the tour operators and finding out if they were going to give refunds or charge extra, but we have managed to sort everyone out.

“We’ve had 50 people affected in the last three days and obviously all the bookings in upcoming days will be affected.

“Each operator is different but the majority are giving refunds.”

“People have been very calm and we have had no aggression,’’ she said.

“The impact has been worse than September 11 because of the uncertainty. People don’t know whether to pack or unpack.”

Thomas Cook has more than 50,000 British holidaymakers stranded overseas, but has managed to bring around 2,500 home so far.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued further guidance as the disruption looks set to continue.

Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health, said: “Talk to your insurer to determine the types of expenses which can be covered before you incur them.

“It is an urban myth that insurers are relying on an Act of God clause to get out of providing cover for this event.

“Where this event is not specifically covered by your insurer, some are offering ex-gratia payments for customers stranded abroad.”