BOSSES at Center Parcs have said they were right not to tell holidaymakers about a virus spreading through the complex until they arrived.

The outbreak, now said to be under control, has affected 116 holidaymakers with 30 new cases confirmed at the park on the Longleat Estate this week.

Staff and holidaymakers said guests were 'dropping like flies' as the outbreak spread but families were not told about the virus, which causes diarrhoea, sickness, stomach cramps and nausea, before they arrived at the camp.

A spokesman for Center Parcs, which caters for 3,500 guests at any one time, said: "We did not tell guests of the bug until they arrived here simply because it was only affecting a very small percentage of the total number of people at the park.

"The advice from health experts was to tell guests of precautions once they were inside.

"We have a medical team who are happy to speak to people if they are unduly concerned. We have had a small number of people who moved to other villages but bookings keep coming in.

"We are taking all advice possible and will stay open.

"We are proud of our hygiene procedures at the park and have not a problem like this in 17 years."

West Wiltshire District Council has placed a fact sheet on its website after receiving a number of calls for medical advice. A council spokesman said: "While it is terribly unpleasant for people who have been affected we understand it has been contained.

"A virus of this type can reach more than 40 per cent of people in the vicinity, only around one per cent of guests staying at the complex at any one time have been affected."

The council's cabinet was informed of the situation at its meeting on Wednesday.

Environment portfolio holder Cllr Richard Wiltshire said: "The next 24 hours are critical. There may be more cases."

Stringent cleaning has continued throughout the week, with hygiene teams concentrating on communal toilets.

The bug has been identified as the Norovirus, a common infection found at holiday resorts and typical to this time of the year.

Mark Evans, consultant in communicable disease control for Wiltshire, said: "The virus is a common Norovirus and there has only been one further case in the last 24 hours.

"Often we don't find the cause. It could have come from a guest or a member of staff but the most important thing to stress is that it is a common bug that is prevalent in the community not just at Center Parcs.

"I am confident that all control measures are in place and the virus is under control."

Holidaymakers who have had their visit to Center Parcs ruined by the outbreak will be offered compensation.