York Dungeon closed by floods until further notice (From York Press)

York Dungeon closed by floods until further notice

7:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News Exclusive By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

A MAJOR York tourist attraction is closed until further notice after being badly damaged during last week’s floods.

Almost two thirds of the York Dungeon building was affected when the River Ouse reached its highest levels in 12 years.

“The attraction is currently closed while a full assessment of the situation is undertaken by Dungeon owners Merlin Entertainments, working with the local attraction team and independent insurers; and a plan for the future developed,” said a spokeswoman.

“The company is working to clarify the situation as quickly as possible but as yet we have no firm date for reopening.”

She added that she was ‘tremendously grateful’ for the support and help received from the local community and businesses at a difficult time.

Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of York’s tourism organisation, Visit York, said visitors, and especially families, loved the Dungeon, particularly at this time of year, ‘so we hope they will be up and running again as soon as possible.”

But she stressed that with Illuminating York, three fireworks events and more than 30 visitor attractions open in a city largely unaffected by flooding, visitors would still be spoilt for choice.

Meanwhile, two restaurants in Tower Street - the Olive Treeand Ning - are re-opening tonight just over a week after being flooded.