Editor,
 
Thank you for giving me a platform to air my views about my recent holiday to The Gambia. We have been coming to The Gambia twice a year for the last 12 years and seen many changes most for the good. Friday 4th January 2008, this being one of the busiest days of the year, on arrival at the airport at about 1315hrs it was quite busy but we checked our luggage in at the desk (First Choice).

We were told that the security scanner was broken and we would have to join a very long queue for a hand search of our luggage, which I did not mind as I am very security minded myself.

As we moved along the queue nearer to the hand search desk, I became aware of people by-passing the desk by airport security and uniform customs officers. When I reached the desk myself I was if to phrase the words 'can you help us and we can help you'. I know what they meant and flattery refused and raised my voice to let the officer know I was not paying to pass the security. I was quickly ushered through as I was now holding the queue up.

When we arrived at Manchester Airport whilst waiting for our luggage at the carousel, I noticed that some of the cases had been tampered with; locks broken cases ripped and left open, one of my own cases had been opened and on inspection later found that a camera and some personal items were missing.

I hope the Airport Authorities and the Government Tourist Board read this article as I feel they must know this is going on.

Alex.Fradley

Editor's note:

Alex, busiest day of the year at any airport is extremely frustrating. As you know people have had to sleep at both Gatwick and Heathrow on such days.

As for the phrase "Please help us to help you", it is straight from the vocabulary of British Airport authorities! You put your own interpretation on it, but you say you were ushered through quickly even when you refused to co-operate! As of missing items, I can guarantee you that I have travelled between The Gambia and England more often than you and for more years.

While items have been stolen from my luggage on trips to Kenya, it has never happened on a trip to The Gambia in all those years. Anyway, why do you exclude the possibility of what you allege happening at Manchester Airport? Thank you for your letter and I am sure that our airport authorities will take note of what you say. Please continue to enjoy your trips to The Gambia.