If you have received a particulary poor service from a service provider in Oxford and feel that you have been ripped off then you should write to trading.standards@oxfordshire.gov.uk with as many specific details as you can think of - you'll find more information at   www.oxon-tss.org.uk .

If the service provider is part of an association then you can write to the association to complain.  So for accommodation providers you could write to whoever provides their rating (English Tourist Board, AA or RAC), the Tourist Information Centre or the Oxford Association of Hotels & Guest Houses ( www.stayoxford.co.uk).  Be warned that the worst offenders may not be registered with any of these agencies.

If you paid by credit card, or your credit card was charged, then you can complain to your credit card company and they may be able to obtain a refund for you, even if you were unable to get your money back from the service provider.