A BOLTON travel agents has closed following a slump in bookings triggered by the terrorist attacks on New York on September 11.

But anyone who has booked a holiday through Astley Bridge Travel based at the Asda supermarket in Blackburn Road, which is owned by local businessman Barry Harthern, will still be able to go away.

The company is a member of ABTA, which means all customers are fully covered for any eventuality.

The travel agent has sent letters out to anyone who had booked a trip with them.

The company says it ran into problems for a number of reasons, including a reduction in UK holiday reservations because of the foot and mouth crisis, the events on September 11 and the war in Afghanistan.

Astley Bridge Travel had been a member of Worldchoice Travel Agents which will only allow ABTA bonded businesses to join its consortium.

Local ABTA spokesman Andrew Dickson said: "Because Astley Bridge Travel is a member of ABTA everyone is protected and can continue with their holiday or get their money back.

"Unfortunately Barry Harthern has experienced worse problems than other travel agents in Bolton since September 11, but we hope this closure is a one off."