A DIRECTOR of an electrical contracting business that failed with debts of £404,000, has been banned from holding directorships or taking part in company management for four and a half years.

Gary Butterworth, of Alden Close, Helmshore, agreed to accept the undertaking by the Department of Trade and Industries, Insolvency Service, after MEL Cable Installation Limited of Springvale Industrial Site, Gwent, was placed into voluntary liquidation.

Mr Butterworth was director of the company. The hearing was told the company failed to register under the Inland Revnue's Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme and didn't make any returns in respect of PAYE or sub-contractors' tax deductions. During his time as director of MEL, deductions of £108,849 were withheld from the Inland Revenue to fund the company's continued trading.