Restaurants reopen after floods (From York Press)

Tower Street restaurants reopen after floods

8:41am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

TWO restaurants which were badly damaged by floods last week reopened last night – but a major York tourist attraction is closed until further notice.

The Olive Tree and Ning, both in Tower Street, welcomed customers back last night.

The Olive Tree, a Mediterranean restaurant, was redecorated yesterday before opening its doors again. Owner Khaliqu Zaman said it would shut again on Monday, probably just for one day, for a new floor to be laid.

New carpets were fitted yesterday at Ning Malaysian restaurant, which only opened in May but was knee deep in floodwater last week.

Almost two thirds of the York Dungeon building in Clifford Street 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.”

The closure is likely to cover the October half-term and Hallowe’en.

She said 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, in Tower Street, Angie Kosé, owner of Ali G, a kebab takeaway, and Mehmet Yaman, owner of the Castle Snooker & Pool Club, both hoped to be able to reopen in about three weeks’ time.

Other businesses in the area which remain shut include Dickinsons cafe, a Pizza Hut restaurant, the Kings Arms pub and the Lowther pub.

City of York Council said that while there were no automatic reductions in business rates for firms damaged by floods, those unable to operate due to extensive flooding might be eligible for temporary relief.

It also urged households to seek quotes for repair work from reputable companies, with a directory of trades people who have undergone an assessment procedure available through Age UK York or online via york.gov.uk/advice/Trading_standards/fairtrading/HSD/