A North Yorkshire water park has revealed it will close for the winter to cope with the "very high" cost of energy bills associated with the business.

Alpamare, located at Scarborough's North Bay, has announced yesterday (October 11) with "great sadness" that it will be closed from now until spring 2024 to cope with energy costs.

The £14m park opened in 2016, and is well known in the area for its indoor and outdoor pools, spa and waterslides.

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The Northern Echo: Alpamare UK water park, Scarborough.Alpamare UK water park, Scarborough. (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

A statement posted on their Facebook page reads: "It is with great sadness that we announce the temporary closure of Alpamare Scarborough with effect from later today. We plan to re-open in Spring 2024.

"Whilst we have a fantastic park and lots of brilliant customers, we are unable to continue trading through the winter due to high costs associated with our business (including the very high cost of energy needed to heat our facilities and pools in the winter).

"A brief closure will enable us to carry out essential maintenance and improve energy efficiency.

"Any member of the public who has made a booking for Alpamare or Wellness should receive an automatic refund within the next 3 working days."

It adds: "We cannot wait to re-open in the Spring and welcome you all to Alpamare again."

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Nearly 1000 devastated customers have since flooded the comments expressing their shock at the news.

One said: "How sad, it's a beautiful facility."

Another added: "So sad, we travel down from Newcastle to come here for our holidays, the kids love it. Hopefully, we see you again in the summer."