THE joint owners of The Blue Bicycle restaurant in York have been declared bankrupt, the Evening Press can reveal today.

A spokesman for the Insolvency Service, based in Hull, confirmed today that David William Rose and Sarah Maria Brownbridge had been declared bankrupt.

He said that an official receiver, appointed by the court, would now begin to investigate the individuals' finances and look at ways of recovering debts.

The bankruptcy came after solicitors acting for the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise filed a petition for bankruptcy at the High Court of Justice, London.

Ms Brownbridge told the Evening Press today that the court took only two hours to find the pair bankrupt. She said: "I can't believe that it has come to this."

She said she felt "frustrated and bemused" by the situation and would be working closely with her solicitor to resolve her debts.

When contacted today Mr Rose told the Evening Press: "I have no comment to make at this time."

Executive chef Kenny Noble said today that he was "disappointed and very upset" by the shock news.

He said: "I hope something can be worked out. The Blue Bicycle is a great place and people almost know it as much as York Minster. Hopefully it will keep going, I will certainly keep my end up."

Worries over The Blue Bicycle's future first surfaced a fortnight ago when bailiffs acting on behalf of the building's owner, Tony Stephenson, seized control of the premises.

A notice posted by his solicitors claimed that Mr Rose and Ms Brownbridge had failed to pay the rent and as a result had forfeited their lease.

But, after frantic discussions, Mr Rose reopened the restaurant. He said "rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated".

The Blue Bicycle and its sister caf, the Blue Minelle, traded as normal over the Bank Holiday weekend and were expected to open today.

Updated: 14:06 Tuesday, April 22, 2003