A HAULAGE boss whose drivers were caught up in the French lorry strike today said that he doubts he will ever see a penny in compensation.

Stuart Taylor, of Mellor-based Stuart Taylor International, estimates losses of £18,000 since his men were trapped in the blockade.

At one stage he had 12 truckers stuck in massive tailbacks.

Most were carrying fruit and salmon from Spain.

Now the fight has started to win compensation for British firms unwittingly caught up in the 11-day dispute.

But hauliers have been horrified to hear French authorities will be slow to look at claims.

Mr Taylor said: "It's been a nightmare. I can't put an exact cost on how much we've lost but at the moment it's around £18,000.

"In 1990 we were caught up in the Spanish dispute and we've never received a penny in compensation.

"I can't honestly see us being compensated for this either." One of the firm's drivers has told how he made a dramatic break for freedom, thanks to boozy French drivers.

Chris Matthew, of Bradford Street, Accrington, smashed through metal barricades to escape the blockade.

Two other drivers also took their chance to escape at 10.30pm on Wednesday night when the Frenchmen were so intoxicated they forgot to park a lorry in front of the metal barricades.

Chris said: "I felt like a prisoner in the blockade. The Frenchmen were keeping me against my will. On the night we escaped, I was going to go to bed but then realised the road was clear apart from the barricades.

"The Frenchmen were on the vino and had forgot to block it off with a wagon. So we said: Right, we're going for it!"

Chris, who is now back home, added: "The Frenchmen were running after us but they couldn't catch us.

"We went as fast as we could down a narrow street and then it was a clear run all the way to the boat."

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