HALTON'S hauliers have voiced fears for the future after diesel prices crept up to the £4-a-gallon mark.

While operators in Widnes and Run-corn talked down possible strike action, which is being considered by their counterparts in Flintshire, they have hit out at the 'extortionate' fuel prices they say will result in their business being taken over by foreign rivals.

Carl Davies, of Transchem, Widnes, who sits on the Road Hauliers Association Council for the North, has branded the situation as 'absolutely horrendous'.

He said: 'The price hauliers have to pay for fuel is out of control. The needs of the haulier has been pushed to low priority by this Government.

'The hauliers are the spine of this country and it's a diabolical decision to increase the price of fuel.

'It will come to the point were foreign hauliers are coming over and pinching our work as they will travel over on full tanks and will be able to operate. Fuel abroad is 33% cheaper than here and it will threaten hauliers' livelihoods.'

Mr Davies claimed the Government had given the industry 'rough' treat-ment and believed many drivers will shun Tony Blair at the ballot box.

He added: 'The problem is partly from this Government and I, and others in this business, will be looking to vote Liberal Democrat or Independent.'

Adam Stevens, operations manager for Suttons, in Widnes, claimed fuel prices have not yet reached the point at which strike action would be taken, but the issue was still a major concern.

He said: 'There is a lack of willingness from the Government to do anything.

'For small company's the fuel cost is a big problem and prices could escalate.'

UK Haulage bosses have been in talks over the past few months discussing a general strike.

They say they are at breaking point and - five years after the Stanlow blockades which brought Britain to a standstill - they may have to take direct action again.

Terry Lewis, of Seburgh and New-field, in Runcorn, is urging colleagues in the trade to show their animosity at the polling stations next month.

He said: 'The price of fuel will have to reflect the price people pay to use the business and it may increase by 5%.

'There is nothing you can do but show your feelings at the poll.'