Stories for 5 August 2006

The Northern Echo News

Heroes' vain bid to save boy from fire

HEROIC police officers who repeatedly plunged into a blazing house in a vain attempt to save a four-year-old said they could not have done any more.The three Durham officers were injured as they tried to save Thomas Shotton from his fire-engulfed home.A firefighter was also burned as a ceiling collapsed, raining flaming hot rubble on him and a colleague.Thomas's parents, Michael Shotton and Diane Curry, could only watch distraught as rescuers battled to save their son.Wearing only short-sleeved shirts and no protective clothing, PCs Will Finnigan, Gary Agnew and Eric Coulson repeatedly charged into the house, ignoring burns to their bodies from red-hot debris.They eventually reached the landing of the house before flames and smoke drove them back.Last night, PC Finnigan, 36, said: "If there was anything more we could have done, we would have done it."The officers were first on the scene when the fire broke out in Thomas's bedroom at his home in Gray Terrace, New Kyo, Stanley, County Durham.The blaze, which broke out just after 8pm on Thursday, soon engulfed the whole house in flames and smoke.It emerged last night that no smoke alarms were fitted in the property.PC Finnigan said: "We went in with no thought for our own safety. When we knew there was a little boy in there, our first instinct was to try to get him out."But I have never known heat like it and was overcome by the smoke immediately. I felt as though I was going to pass out."PC Finnigan suffered smoke inhalation while PCs Agnew and Coulson received cuts and burns to their arms.PC Agnew, 22, said: "It was like a near-death experience. We could not see, hear, speak or even think once the smoke overpowered us."It is a real tragedy, and I am sad and disappointed that we were not able to reach Thomas in time. I wish it could have ended differently."Chief Superintendent Eric Suddes, commander of the Durham force's north area, praised all three officers for their selfless and outstanding acts of bravery.He said: "They repeatedly put their own lives at risk and I commend them for what they did."Unfortunately, despite their very best efforts, they were unable to reach the little boy."Three fire crews arrived and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the house and ordered the officers to leave for their own safety.The ceiling of Thomas's bedroom collapsed as firefighters charged through the flames, trying desperately to rescue the youngster.Burning rubble landed on two firefighters, and 35-year-old Craig Farage, from Consett, suffered burns to his neck.Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's group manager Alan Kernohan praised the efforts of all of the men who tried so hard to save Thomas.He said: "There was an intense amount of heat and smoke, and what the police did was extremely brave. The actions of the firefighters was a credit to the service."All of the men involved did an exceptional job in difficult circumstances."It is always emotive when someone is trapped and even more so when it is a young child."The real tragedy is that this could have been avoided if a smoke alarm had been fitted."Police and firefighters have carried out an investigation and established it was not caused by an electrical fault, and was not suspicious.Thomas's grandfather, also called Thomas, 59, of Annfield Plain, said everyone in the family was distraught.He said: "I went to the hospital late last night when I heard what had happened. His father, Michael, was just walking about in a daze. He was devastated - and we all are."Our little Thomas was a really lovely bairn. A little cracker."  more...

Community scarred by devastating loss

friends and family of Thomas Shotton yesterday attached flowers, teddies and toys to the fence in front of the house where he died.A poignant message next to a model of Thomas the Tank Engine read: "My hamster went to heaven on Tuesday. Will you look after him for me please? Goodbye, Ebony and Katie."Another card said: "Little Tommy, rest in peace. We'll miss you and never forget you, love always, Kelly, Nicola and Connor. XXXX."Neighbours had tried desperately to get into the house as smoke billowed into the street, but they were beaten back.Others used garden hoses to try and extinguish the flames.Thomas's parents, Michael Shotton and Diane Curry, escaped the fire and could only look on helplessly while desperate efforts were made to save their son.The couple were discharged from the University Hospital of North Durham yesterday after being treated for burns and smoke inhalation.They were too upset to talk about their loss yesterday.But neighbours spoke of the deep scar it had left on their close-knit community.Malcolm Brunton, 49, of nearby Windsor Terrace, said: "I am absolutely devastated. I can't believe what has happened. He was such a lovely lad."Louise Luke, 31, of North Terrace, is a friend of the family.She said: "He was a normal little lovely blond lad and they are a nice family. It is a real shame and it has come as a shock to everyone around here. It is terrible."Elaine Hampshire, 30, of Gray Terrace, said: "It is a tragedy and so sad. It really hits home when a child is involved and loses their life."Friend of the family Alan Lumley attached flowers to the gate.He said: "The family have been devastated by this and losing a child is something you can never come to terms with."It stays with you for ever."  more...

Call for slowdown 'makes no sense'

THE future of two flagship projects that could create thousands of jobs in the region was plunged into doubt last night after the publication of a planning inspectors' report.The report threatens to undermine economic regeneration in County Durham by suggesting the expansion of NetPark, the high-tech business park at Sedgefield, and the proposed freight interchange at Tursdale, near Durham City, should be limited.The threat to the future of the projects is contained in the report, which has been published after a public inquiry into the draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).The RSS is the planning blueprint that will determine development in the region for the next 15 years.The suggestion has been met with disbelief by regeneration leaders in County Durham, who said the report "cast a disappointing shadow" over the flagship projects.Mark Lloyd, chief executive of Durham County Council, said the recommendations for NetPark did not make sense.He said: "The panel's report seeks to limit the growth of the UK's fastest-growing technology park."It's like asking an Olympic gold medal prospect not to run so fast." The first stage of NetPark - a 13-hectare park of incubator units and a research institute - has already attracted a number of successful science-based businesses and work is about to get under way on the second phase, a £20m innovation village that could create up to 500 jobs.The site could expand to 1,200 acres and create thousands of jobs, but yesterday's report suggests blocking such expansion, saying that the long-term ambitions were inconsistent with sustainable development principles and that the research and development potential of the region's universities could be better exploited at locations such as the Baltic Business Park or Newcastle Great Park. The report said: "We do not believe that this is a suitable location for a large concentration of employment."The report also suggests that the proposed Tursdale freight terminal - a 480-acre road-rail interchange linking the East Coast Main Line and A1(M) - should not be included in the strategy.Mr Lloyd said: "These two major projects each have tremendous potential and are key elements of our strategy for a new and stronger economy in County Durham."We will be consulting with our district council partners about making the very strongest representations to the Secretary of State to seek to influence her decision on the final document."  more...

Wheeling in a huge challenge for Claire

Haulage firm Devereux challenged The Northern Echo to send a reporter to master one of their trucks. Step forward Claire Burbage . . . in her stilettos."THERE'S no way you can drive it with those shoes on," said an exasperated Lew Hubbert.Glancing down at my stiletto shoes, it suddenly dawned they probably aren't the most practical of footwear for my debut behind the wheel of a 44-ton truck.I confidently told training officer Lew that if I could drive my Peugeot 106 with stilettos, I could master a 56ft long Scania.He wasn't fully convinced.While I wouldn't describe myself as a "helpless little female", that's exactly how I felt staring at the cab towering over me.Climbing up three steps I hauled my slight 5ft 4in frame into the driver's seat and it struck me just how high everything was. That was when the real nerves kicked in.I was given a shortened health and safety lecture, which I suppose doesn't normally include advice on stilettos.Usually, HGV learners with haulage firm Devereux, in Billingham, Teesside, start in the classroom and gently build up to the truckin' part.I adjusted the seat as far forward as it would go while Lew described all the various controls. He even managed to convince me that what I thought was the brake pedal was an accelerator.He then told me to start the ignition. See the photograph above Lew's pale and slightly nervous demeanor!At this moment, I was so tense that my muscles were aching and I could feel my heart pounding.Clutch leg shaking, I push it into second gear and squeeze the accelerator and we begin to move - forward. Then I realise I'm still staring down at my feet - mmm, nice stilettos - and suddenly look up to see where I'm going.I feel the Scania picking up speed and began to feel slightly out of control, but then slowly grow in confidence.Lew may not agree with boss Mike Devereux that the best way to celebrate a safety milestone for the company is by inviting journalists to drive one of his rather expensive trucks.The firm has become the first in the UK to be awarded the bronze, silver and gold Road Haulage Association ICON certificates. It means that Devereux's 180 employees are clued up when it comes to safety while driving their trucks on our roads.Having driven in a straight line for a minute - some of it was quite slow, Lew told me to have a break and we came to a halt.It was over, a look of relief washes over my face - I had done it. My clutch leg was still shaking, but I felt great, a real sense of achievement. I had actually driven a whopping great big 44-ton red truck."Right," said Lew. "Now just pop it into reverse . . ."  more...

Kirsty's tribute to the daddy she never knew

THE daughter of a North-East Army officer who died before she was born, yesterday helped ensure that he - along with thousands of other fallen servicemen - will not be forgotten.Corporal Robin McLachlan, who lived with his family in Branksome, Darlington, died in a motorcycle accident in 2003 while stationed in Germany. His wife, Jill, was pregnant with her second child at the time.Cpl McLachlan, never knew his youngest daughter Kirsty, now aged two, but yesterday she helped lift the first sod for a national Armed Forces memorial which will bear his name.Kirsty, with her older sister Heather, five, and their mother, who now live in Boldron, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, all attended the ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum, near Lichfield, in Staffordshire.Mrs McLachlan said: "Death does not discriminate according to context or place. A death in a road traffic accident in Germany is no less painful for the family than a death in Iraq."Many service personnel are killed carrying out their duty outside of conflict zones - surely their commitment deserves to be recognised?"My husband proudly served in difficult conflicts in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. A memorial like this is about recognising the sacrifice made by Robin, his family and, in particular, his two amazing daughters. It doesn't matter to me that he wasn't on the front line."The memorial will be the first record of those who have died while on duty, or because of terrorist action, since the end of the Second World War.Cpl McLachlan's name will be engraved alongside those of 16,000 other servicemen and women on the monument, which will be built of Portland stone to a design by architect Liam O'Connor.It is expected to be unveiled in October next year but the Armed Forces Memorial Trust still needs to raise £4m so that it can complete its construction.Trust chairman Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt said: "The Armed Forces memorial will change the way the nation remembers those whose names will be included on its walls, providing an important reminder to us all that our servicemen and women are killed in many different circumstances, while on exercise, during operations, on peacekeeping duties or as a result of training accidents as well as battle casualties."  more...

GNER taking steps to tackle sewage sprays

TRAIN company GNER last night said it had taken steps to cure a problem which has seen foul-smelling human sewage sprayed from its trains.Rail workers and train spotters claim they have been sprayed with the effluent as GNER trains hurtle round a section of track near Ferryhill, County Durham.The RMT rail union said the problem with onboard toilet tanks was first raised by track workers in November 2004.But The Northern Echo reported the concerns even earlier, in October 2003, following complaints from local man Geoffrey Gregg, a former signalman, who described the spray as "horrible".GNER blamed a lack of facilities to empty effluent at the depot in Heaton, Newcastle, where its trains are maintained.Last night, a spokesman said the company, in partnership with Network Rail and Northern Rail, was spending £500,000 on a permanent tank emptying facility at the depot, to be ready by October.Asked why it had seemingly taken so long to act, he said: "We have tried assorted solutions to try to deal with this problem previously."In terms of installing this facility, we have had to go through a number of hoops, partly because it will be used at a depot that we don't own."GNER said there was no health and safety issue for passengers, although the Echo has learnt trackside rail workers in the area are to be issued with protective overalls and masks to wear if necessary.The RMT said samples collected by a medical advisor employed by Government railway inspectors showed a "significant hazard" to human health.General secretary Bob Crow said GNER had to "put safety first and remove this danger now".A spokesman for the Office for Rail Regulation claimed the problem was caused by GNER converting old staff toilets to be used by the general public, as part of its Mallard refit, which led to an increase in the frequency of their use.He said: "Following the installation of new equipment this is a problem which should be solved and GNER have given an undertaking that this will be done as soon as possible."  more...

Troubled theatre now a success story for city

A SHOWPIECE theatre appears to have brought the curtain down on its troubled past after releasing better-than-expected audience and financial figures yesterday.The Gala Theatre, in Durham, revealed visitor numbers of more than 192,000 for the financial year 2005-6 - making it a bigger draw than established attractions such as Bowes Museum, Bamburgh Castle and Cragside House.The venue also underspent its £650,000 annual subsidy from Durham City Council by a little more than £100,000 - money that will be invested in improving the four-year-old building.Councillor Grenville Holland, the city council's portfolio holder for culture, said: "The Gala has come of age."It is now a successful, thriving business, one that will serve this region and our community with distinction."The figures were revealed during yesterday's launch of the theatre's autumn season, which featured a performance by folk performer Rachel Unthank, who will return to the venue next month.Highlights of the coming season include the West End hit The Play What I Wrote, An Evening With Bill Bryson and English Touring Theatre's performance of Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children.Musical highlights include Midge Ure, John Williams and Glenn Tilbrook, along with comedians Jeremy Hardy and Bobby Pattinson.Managers say it is the increasingly diverse programme that has attracted a broader audience to the venue, with almost 100,000 tickets sold for live events this year, seven per cent up on the previous year.Visitor numbers are expected to rise further with the opening of the neighbouring Walkergate complex later this year.The £14m Gala theatre opened in January 2002, but was immediately plunged into crisis with the collapse of its management company, an escalating annual subsidy that peaked at £1.1m and a series of departures among senior staff.The city council turned to troubleshooters from Darlington Borough Council's leisure department, which runs the town's successful Civic Theatre, who highlighted problems.Now, after a management overhaul and the appointment of director Simon Stallworthy in April last year, visitor numbers have improved and the subsidy has been gradually cut.Mr Stallworthy said: "I made it clear when I started that the line had been drawn and the Gala now looked forward and not back."This has been a tremendous year and we have a vision and energy now which defines us."  more...

Father in drive to have car park signs changed

A FATHER-OF-THREE has been left fuming by parking bay signs which announce they can only be used for "mother and child".Single parent Paul Stainthorp says that such a phrase discriminates against fathers and singled out spaces at the Broadway shops, in Colburn, North Yorkshire.The 51-year-old wanted to park at the shops last week but found the main car park full. However, there was a row of empty spaces set aside for mothers with children.Mr Stainthorp, of Geneva Road, Darlington, who works in Catterick Garrison, said: "In my opinion, it should be parent and child, not mother and child."It's discrimination against fathers. And it's not only single parents, but fathers with a wife who should be able to park there."Mr Stainthorp is also unhappy with the response he received when raising the issue with Richmondshire District Council.When he called to complain, he was told someone would ring him back.He was still waiting for a reply two days later.Mr Stainthorp said: "I rang the council to discuss the issue and they didn't seem to give a monkeys."In response, Gary Hudson, Richmondshire District Council grounds officer, said: "This was an unfortunate oversight on the part of a colleague when we made improvements to the car park three or four years ago."The paint will be burnt off in the next couple of weeks."Before the improvements, the car park did not have any parking set aside for parents. We improved the accesses and egresses, the paving and added planters. "It's a free car park - not a pay-and-display. This is the first complaint we have had about it." The council officer said the authority had seven days to respond to queries from the public - and Mr Stainthorp only complained about the parking spaces on Wednesday. "We have to prioritise our work according to the issue," he said.Mr Hudson said yesterday he was planning to call Mr Stainthorp to discuss the issue.  more...

Django spared jail after assaulting neighbours

SELF-styled cowboy Django narrowly escaped being sent to jail yesterday for attacking two neighbours while he was on horseback.Magistrates in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, gave him a six-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay more than £1,200 in compensation to his victims.Django, real name Martin Kiss, had earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting Kevin and Sheila Spencer, in their home in the Yorkshire Dales, on June 5.Yesterday, Martin Butterworth, prosecuting, said that Kiss had become angry after learning of the couple's latest objection to his planning application to train horses in Western riding techniques at Skeb Skeugh Farm, near Keld, Swaledale.He went to their home, which overlooks his property, on horseback, to confront the couple.Mr Butterworth said Kiss was shouting and swearing, and several times threatened to kill the couple. At one point, he used his horse to trap Mrs Spencer against a gate.He also deliberately rode his horse at Mr Spencer and punched him in the face, breaking his spectacles.Mr Butterworth added that Kiss had two large knives in his saddle.In a letter to the court, Mrs Spencer said she believed he had used the knives to cut the rope on their garden gate, but this was disputed by Chris Bunting, for Kiss.Mr Bunting said Kiss had suffered a broken nose and needed plastic surgery.He said: "Everyone has an emotional breaking point. The only explanation he can give is that on this particular day, Mr Kiss reached that emotional breaking point."He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and banned from entering the Spencers' property.Magistrates ordered him to pay £690 compensation to cover damage to the garden and Mr Spencer's spectacles, plus £250 each to the couple.Mr Butterworth applied for an order to confiscate the two knives, but this was rejected.Mr Spencer said last night: "I think the six-month sentence and the exclusion order are satisfactory."However, he was unhappy that the knives were not confiscated.The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will discuss Kiss's planning application on Tuesday.  more...

Increase in families facing home loss

THE number of North-East families on the brink of losing their homes has soared by 33 per cent in only 12 months - even before mortgage rates go up next week.Mortgage lenders launched 1,770 repossession actions in county courts between April and June - up from 1,327 in the same period of last year - official figures showed yesterday.The biggest rise was in Tyne and Wear where the number of "actions entered" soared by 45 per cent, from 496 to 719 in the second quarter.But there were also significant leaps in the region's other county courts - Durham (up 42 per cent), Northumberland (up 39 per cent) and Cleveland and Darlington (up 17 per cent).There was similar gloom in North Yorkshire, where the number of repossession actions leapt by 30 per cent, from 258 to 336.An "action entered" is the first step in the process for seizing a property, where a lender issues a summons in a county court. However, the number of repossession orders actually made also soared in the second quarter in the North-East (from 353 to 563 - up 59 per cent) and rose in North Yorkshire (from 90 to 97 - up eight per cent).The figures follow Thursday's surprise quarter-point rise in interest rates to 4.75 per cent, the first by the Bank of England for 12 months.It will almost certainly be followed, early next week, by higher mortage rates, which in turn are predicted to lead to a further rise in house repossessions.Families with a £150,000 mortgage will see £21.50 added to their monthly interest payments, if lenders pass on the rate rise in full.Furthermore, some independent economists have warned of another likely increase before the end of the year, as the Bank of England stamps on growing inflationary pressures.Business leaders yesterday rounded on the Bank's monetary policy committee , accusing it of "jumping the gun" and jeopardising the economy's recovery.But the Bank, which is required to stick to a strict inflation target set by Chancellor Gordon Brown, is worried by spiralling oil prices and rising energy costs.Nationally, the number of repossession orders granted rose by 21 per cent to 22,254, according to the department for constitutional affairs statistics.Most of the actions are mortgage lenders applying to repossess from borrowers, but they also include legal action to seize possession of local authority homes from tenants.Higher mortgage rates will hit families already reeling from increased charges for electricity, gas and water, as well as rises in petrol prices and council tax.  more...

Proud soldiers handed Iraq campaign medals

SOLDIERS back from a tour of duty of Iraq have been presented with campaign medals.The Band of the Heavy Cavalry played as A Squadron, The Queen's Royal Lancers, marched on to the regimental square at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, to be awarded the Iraq medal.The squadron returned from operations in May. Before leaving, the unit had to re-role as an armoured infantry squadron.Major Christopher Blakey, officer commanding A Squadron, said: "Their tour was tough and involved plenty of hard work, but it was absolutely critical."As the threat from roadside bombs increased in Iraq, almost every patrol and convoy required an armoured escort from Warrior armoured vehicles. A Squadron was tasked with providing that armoured escort. "They escorted convoys all over the British area of operation, tasks that often went on for up to 14 hours. What an achievement - to re-role from recce to Warrior infantry fighting vehicle, train for operations and provide a new capability in Iraq."To succeed in all of this and to return to our families and friends with no major injuries or fatalities makes me extremely proud."  more...

Wartime memories take off at reunion

wartime youth squadron members have been reunited for a celebration dinner. Members of 1463 Squadron Air Training Corps and 320 Squadron Girls Training Corps regularly trained between 1941 and 1947 at Broom School, Ferryhill, County Durham.The dinner dance at the Ferryhill Masonic Hall saw the former trainees together for the first time in almost 60 years. Organiser Glenys Rowe said: "Some of us have kept in touch with Christmas cards and what have you, but there are some people here who haven't seen each other in a lot of years."We have had a lovely meal, and we've had music and dancing. "And we've had a wonderful time talking about the old days now that we are all in our second youth."We were only 16 and 17 back then and we were being trained so that we could help with the war effort."Most of the boys went off to fight and sadly a lot of them never came back."Those of us that stayed and helped with the effort at home had a little more luck because the nearest a bomb landed to us was Chilton."But we were trained in all sorts of things, including aircraft recognition, and we could often see the German planes overhead."   more...

Coral grower shares passion with US hero

A DURHAM chemist and the United States' greatest sporting hero may at first glance have little in common but they have unwittingly been brought together by their passion for underwater coral.Stephen Lowes' unusual hobby of growing coral in his basement not only led him to fronting a designer business for celebrities, but also ended up with the Bishop Auckland born 41-year-old being featured on US television channel CNN.Mr Lowes, an analytical chemist, moved to the US 11 years ago.He started growing coral in his New York State basement as a hobby, but then huge aquarium systems with coral became design statements for the homes of celebrities including US basketball legend Michael Jordan.Mr Lowes said: "Huge aquarium systems with coral are the new in-demand design statement."Basketball stars like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal have them in their houses."They cost up to $150,000 (£80,000), and people have spent up to $1,000,000 (£535,000) on them.""Since September 11, people in America travel less and so have more disposable income."They like to remind themselves of places they don't want to visit anymore."Mr Lowes now sells the coral through his business, Reef Encounters.And an interview with a local newspaper led to the sort of international coverage most fledgling businesses can only dream about.Mr Lowes said: "A local newspaper in Ithaca, New York, wrote a story about me when I helped out at local science centre."From there it got picked up by the Associated Press, who interviewed me and took it everywhere - regional newspapers, national newspapers, even CNN."It was surprising, but encouraging to get the word out."Mr Lowes still works part time as an analytical chemist, but spends more and more time developing his own business.Last year, the aquarium industry was worth nearly $7bn (£3.75bn) in the US.Mr Lowes is also a scuba diver and attributes his love of the ocean to the Jacques Cousteau television documentaries of the 1970s.He still has relatives in Tudhoe, but has not lived in the North-East since leaving at 18 for Sheffield Polytechnic.However, he still retains his North East accent."One or two people over there have trouble understanding me," said Mr Lowes. "But no one looks down on me because of my accent - unlike in England."Mr Lowes is visiting the region for two weeks with his American wife, Kathy."The best thing about coming back, apart from family, is the pubs," he said. "That and the North-East sense of humour."For information, visit www.reef-encounters.com  more...

Firm denies victimising motorists

A CAR parking firm has hit back at claims that it is making a packet by unfairly dishing out tickets to motorists.Excel Parking, which operates up to 30 private car parks across the region, last year made more than £500,000 profit.The company, which also charges motorists attempting to appeal against their fine 50p a minute to contact its payment office via a premium rate phone line, has faced a number of complaints from motorists on Teesside.The complaints have centred on the Leisure Park car park, near the Cineworld cinema, in Middlesbrough.Pensioner Eddie Johnson received a £40 ticket for his car, rising to £100, because Excel staff claimed he parked but did not use the leisure park.Mr Johnson, 67, of Tennyson Street, Middlesbrough, who had been using the JJB swimming pool, showed wardens his wet swimming trunks and towel and later produced a computer printout showing the times he had entered and exited the pool.But the company rejected his appeal and has now issued county court proceedings against him.Mr Johnson said: "This area is covered in CCTV cameras but they have produced no evidence of me walking off site - because I did not."Motorist Steve Rollo, 43, a manager at Reg Vardy, in Darlington, received a £40 fine after one of the wheels of his car was inches outside the parking bay.He said: "The attitude of the company and their staff is absolutely unreal."Last year, Sheffield-based Excel lmade a pre-tax profit of £542,207.It also saw a 20 per cent increase in its net worth - the value of the firm - to just under £2.5m.The company, a member of the British Parking Association, said "complete customer satisfaction was its ultimate goal".Sales director Martin Attwood said: "We take complaints very seriously and we certainly don't allow our staff to be overzealous."If a parking attendant was being irresponsible and issuing tickets incorrectly they would face disciplinary action."Of the company's profitability, Mr Attwood said: "Parking enforcement is only a very small element of the revenue we earn."He defended the company's use of a premium rate phone number which, he said, paid for the admin costs of the appeals process.  more...