YORK is experiencing its busiest October in living memory, according to bosses at the Tourist Information Centre.

They say the phones have not stopped ringing, with inquiries reaching a peak this week.

Kay Hyde, public relations manager at York Tourism Bureau, said the city was bucking a trend as other tourist destinations suffered a downturn in trade after the terrorist attacks of September 11.

London hotels have seen a 20 per cent drop in business, but businesses in York are experiencing a steady increase.

She said: "We have never known a week like it, the phones have gone berserk.

"It is definitely the busiest week we have ever experienced.

"The amount of interest in the city is phenomenal."

Miss Hyde said she was overwhelmed by the number of visitors travelling to the city.

She said: "One of the things we are very pleased about is that we have had a lot of very positive publicity.

"We have been quite aggressive in our marketing, such as the successful First Stop York by Train campaign, and sending 30,000 postcards to London and the South East.

Camilla Harrison of the National Railway Museum (NRM) said: "It has been very busy and there is a real buzz around the place.

"First Stop York has been one of our most successful promotions. It clearly brings people not only to the city, but to the NRM."

But Rick Buckland, manager at Marks & Spencer, said retailers in the city could be busier.

He said: "It is busy but then we would expect that with half-term.

"We would be busier if it was not for those roadworks at Copmanthorpe, that is for sure."

Miss Hyde said: "The traffic problems are a major concern for us. It's giving people the impression York is difficult to get to and that's the last thing we want.

"Retail shopping is the second most important reason why visitors come to York, after it being a beautiful, historic city.

"But returning visitors have been put off by experiencing long delays.

"We hope that there is going to be a solution to resolve the situation."

Shara Ross, manager at The Grange Hotel, Bootham, said: "We have seen an increase in the number of last minute bookings.

"But there is a level of insecurity and we are not resting on our laurels."

Updated: 15:13 Wednesday, October 24, 2001