AN INDIAN restaurant landlord has told of the devastating impact of a sewer collapse on the business.

Amit Patel said sewage had entered the basement of the Masala Kraft Indian restaurant in Fishergate, and stock and freezers had had to be removed and destroyed.

Mr Patel hit out after it was revealed that York's inner ring road is to shut for a second time next week to allow for major repairs to the collapsed sewer.

“My tenants are at desperation,” said Mr Patel. “They are attempting to run a small business and for the second time in the space of a few years have had there livelihoods turned upside down.”

He said Yorkshire Water had directed them to their insurers despite being told numerous times that after the last flood on Boxing Day 2015, they could not get flood damage insured.

Owner Amar Singh Rajput said the restaurant lost three days of business as well as stock.

The Yorkshire Water spokesman said staff had visited the restaurant on several occasions to carry out investigations and set up a pumping operation which was preventing any further flooding into the building.

“We’ve also cleaned out the basement, disinfected it and have a technician at the restaurant over-seeing the over-pumping operation,” he said. “In addition, we’ve agreed to reimburse costs for a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the basement and are keeping the manager updated.”

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water says the inbound carriageway of Fishergate will close overnight from 9pm next Tuesday - repeating Thursday night’s closure of the same stretch of road.

Traffic will again be diverted along Paragon Street, Foss Islands Road, Peasholme Green, Stonebow and Coppergate.

A spokesman said last night’s closure allowed for piling to be installed to help get down to the sewer five metres below ground level, with specialist excavating equipment brought in because the pipe is so deep.

The road was due to partially reopen to vehicles from 6am this morning until final repairs are carried out next Tuesday evening, involving a full road closure from 9pm.

“We aim to have the road partially re-opened by early on Wednesday morning, and fully re-opened later in the week. We’d like to thank commuters and local businesses for their patience whilst we carry out this vital emergency work.”

The second closure was originally planned for the weekend but put back to next week following discussions with highways authorities, to avoid the risk of clashing with the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday morning.