LEGAL action is being taken against the operator of Scarborough's £14m waterpark.

Scarborough Council has backed Alpamare UK, which operates the attraction in North Bay, following news that it faces a winding-up petition. British Gas is taking the firm to court over outstanding debts.

The council funded the construction of the waterpark by giving a £9m loan to the developers of the project, Benchmark Leisure.

Alpamare is hoping that by Tuesday, the day before the British Gas Trading Ltd case in London, it can secure a Company Voluntary Arrangement to meet its debt obligations.

The company has said it will “adapt” the way the attraction is run.

Anton Hoefter, Alpamare’s head of operations, said it will reduce winter opening hours once a wellness spa opens on site.

Cllr Helen Mallory, Scarborough council deputy leader, said: “Alpamare has made us aware of the CVA proposal and its plans to adapt its business operation model with the aim of increasing profitability going forward. This does not affect the council’s ongoing relationship with Benchmark or the security of the loan agreement we have with them.

“We are delighted to hear that Alpamare’s plans include the forthcoming opening of the state of the art Wellness Spa, which will attract more visitors and may well appeal to a different type of customer compared to those that have visited the waterpark to date.”