Walt Disney Corporation last night denied reports that the troubled

Euro Disney leisure park might have to close.

A suggestion that the complex near Paris might shut sent Euro Disney

shares plunging and they closed down 50p at 685p.

Euro Disney executives are alleged to have held crisis talks with the

parent company, Walt Disney, over the future of the beleaguered leisure

park.

Options include an injection of new funds, a rights issue or even

potential closure, according to the Sunday Times.

However, the Walt Disney company last night denied holding crisis

talks and dismissed speculation that Euro Disney might close.

Company spokesman Duncan Wardle said it intended building the second

phase of the complex, although he admitted that plans for more rides and

extra attractions had been delayed.

Mr Wardle added: ''Financing is now our major problem. We must also

listen to what our guests are telling us and that is what we are

doing.''

Euro Disney, which opened in April 1992, is expected to report a loss

this year of #200m. Initially it attracted about 600,000 British

visitors, but that figure had tumbled by 50% this spring.