Now troubled Walls is hit with a firebomb attack
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• An arson attack on troubled vehicle recovery contractor Walls Truck Services of Newport, Gwent has caused 1500,000-worth of damage to vehicles and buildings.
The attack happened days before an examination was due to take place to judge the firm's suitability to win a temporary Gwent Police recovery contract.
Dean Smith, recovery liaison manager at Walls, which holds the current police recovery contract until the end of June, says the tirrrng of the attack on the afternoon of 26 May has left the firm with "a bitter taste in its mouth".
The temporary contract runs from 1July—up to 15 other companies have tendered for it. Walls tendered for the contract despite being at the centre of a police probe into overcharging and a row over the disposal of a motorcycle which had been involved in a fatal road accident (CM31May-6 June).
"Both vehicles and premises were to be examined on 3-4 June," says Smith. "It is a crucial time for us. The attack is suspicious but we
don't want to throw around any accusations.
"The main reception area has not been damaged and we Still have a number of vehicles to make sure we come up to the required standard at the examination," he adds.
The damage could have been worse but for the courage of Walls workers who drove HGVs away from the path of the fire. "It was worrying for the boys, waiting for the vehicles to start with the flames and smoke raging round them," says Smith.