YORK hoteliers have been put on alert - about a group of "women behaving badly".

Members of York and District Hospitality Association have been warned to show the door to staff from a local nursing home after they allegedly caused chaos in a city hotel.

The alleged antics of the all-female party were highlighted in the association's latest newsletter, sent out to about 90 hotels, guest houses and restaurants around York.

Diane Dolan, manageress of the Kilima Hotel submitted the article after barring the 14-strong group, aged in their 20s, from a Christmas party at the Holgate Road venue.

Mrs Dolan, who has worked at the hotel for 14 years, said she was shocked by behaviour which she says included:

* Throwing turkey and other food at each other;* Destroying decorations and floral displays;* Spraying fizzy water, which hit a guest in another party;* Smashing two crystal glasses;* Abusing staff, and* Upturning a bar stool between the bar and restaurant, causing a hazard to guests.

Mrs Dolan said she warned the women three times about their behaviour before barring them from the hotel at 11.30pm.

She said the trouble was mainly caused by about eight in the group, but that the others did nothing to stop them.

And she said it spoiled the night for the other 30 mainly female guests who had booked for the £19.95-head four-course meal and disco party night.

Mrs Dolan said: "It was upsetting and sickening. Wherever they went, it was a mess.

"Even with male parties, which we try to avoid, I have never had that problem ever. In hindsight, I wish I'd called the police."

Staff at the nursing home, the Dower House Care Centre in Dower Chase, Escrick, declined to comment.

Wendy Brayshaw, a dinner lady at Knavesmire School, who was with a party at the hotel on the same night, said the hotel was justified in barring the nursing home staff and telling other hotels to turn them away.

Mrs Brayshaw, 43, said: "It is justified. It spoils everybody's night. I have nothing against young girls going out and enjoying themselves. But it got beyond enjoyment. They were just being rude and clever."

Mrs Dolan has written to the nursing home and owners Leicester-based Prime Life, demanding an apology and £40 compensation to clean the carpet and replace smashed glasses. Prime Life replied, saying it was a private party and not a company matter. Staff at Dower House have yet to reply.

Mrs Dolan said she put the item in the newsletter to warn other hoteliers about the women. She said: "To be fair to other hoteliers in the area, they should know if one of them tries to book to refuse them or be it on their own heads."

Stella Cargill, manager of Dower House, declined to comment. She said none of the staff wished to comment either.

Peter Van Herrewege, managing director of Prime Life, insisted the party was a private affair and nothing to do with the company, which was why Prime Life refused to pay compensation to the hotel.

He said: "A group of staff organised a staff association party, going out for a function. I am unaware anybody was materially injured or any great harm was done.

"It was nothing more than a group of staff at Christmas. They work hard all year and deserve to go out and celebrate. I hope the hotel expects people to be in high spirits at this time of year."

Michael Hjort, vice-chairman of the association and editor of its newsletter, said he welcomed members using the newsletter to alert one another about problems.

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