THE mayor of Hyndburn has slammed travel companies that charge extra during the school holidays.

Coun Judith Addison, who regularly updates constituents on her Facebook page, posted a link to a petition urging the government to cap price increases during school holidays.

Coun Addison wrote: “I think it is disgraceful that holiday companies charge more during school holidays, especially now Lancashire County Council fines families who take children out of school during term time to get a holiday at an affordable price.”

The petition, listed on the Government’s official petition website, more than 24,000 signatories and will be debated in Parliament if it reaches 100,000 by March.

The petition, to the department for culture, media and sport, reads: “Family time is so much more essential in the current working world, but so many people cannot afford holidays in school holidays.

“A break at home is not the same as getting away from it all where there isn't any housework or DIY to get done, instead focus is on family.

“It’s time to stop holiday companies cashing in on school holidays”