FRENCH cement giants Lafarge UK have been criticised for ignoring an ultimatum presented to them by Weardale businessmen.

Disillusioned business leaders in the Dale demanded that the company, which closed its Blue Circle cement works in Eastgate last year, lease them the site or pull it to the ground.

The group, which has now formed the Weardale Business Action Forum, gave bosses at Lafarge until Monday to give them an answer but were left disappointed.

In a letter to forum member John Shuttleworth, who is also county councillor for the area, the company said that there were no immediate prospects for lettings on the work site.

Coun Shuttleworth said: "There is a serious offer on the table that will create 135 manufacturing jobs and they are just ignoring it.

"They say they do not have enough information as to whether or not it is viable, but we say it is.''

Coun Shuttleworth said the forum, which met for the first time on Monday night, said the group were meeting again to discuss the letter on Wednesday and this would be followed by a press conference tomorrow.

He said: "We have had enough. Something needs doing with that site. Thousands of pounds of taxpayers money has been spent on reports and reports on reports. We need action.

"We have been forced to set up our own forum because nobody is listening to what the people of the Dale want.''