WORRIED East Lancashire haulage companies were today frantically drawing up plans to avoid being caught in chaos expected from the French transport strike.

French lorry drivers, with the backing of coach drivers' unions, were threatening to blockade roads and ports throughout the country for an "indefinite period".

Darwen and Ribchester-based Jewelworld Ltd has already devised new routes for drivers and is trying to get as many lorries as possible through the ports before the strike bites.

Managing director Jeff Mercer said: "It's very frustrating. All we can do is to avoid areas likely to be worst hit.

"We may get drivers out but have no idea how they will get back.

"The French seem to get away with doing what they want and it is always British companies which suffer.

"If the strike is as bad as last time, I'm sure some will go under.

Last year's crippling action, which began on November 18, left hundreds of British drivers stranded on either side of the continent and cost hauliers millions. Workers at Stuart Taylor International Transport, of Mellor, which has 30 trucks travelling to France and Spain each week, are gearing up for major disruption.

Owner Stuart Taylor said: "Last year's strike caused us severe financial damage and we are still waiting for compensation.

"The strike wiped out two months of business. If this one is the same it may finish us.

"It is all made worst because this is our busiest period. All we can do for the time being is make a few detours and hope for the best. "

CSH Haulage, of Great Harwood, also said the strike would have a serious effect on its business.

"We are working out how to get through it at the moment," said a spokesman. "The drivers over there tend to stick together so it causes a real problem."

But haulage firms in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale look set to escape the gridlock as most tend to stick to work in the UK.

D Burrows, of Simonstone, near Burnley, said: "We are an international haulage firm but don't do continental runs at the moment so it won't affect us."

Rossendale firm B Barnes and Son, hit by French strikes in the past, said: "The only effect it might have is if one of our customers is in transit through France but we don't tend to get over there ourselves."

The 200,000 French truckers claim employers have reneged on a pensions deal. They are also seeking monthly pay of about £1,000, a rise of 20 per cent.

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