Firms still out of pocket in power station dispute (From Western Telegraph)

Firms still out of pocket in power station dispute

1:20pm Saturday 5th May 2012 in News

Pembrokeshire family firms left out of pocket after an Italian subcontractor left the Pembroke Power Station build are facing an ongoing struggle to get paid.

South county MP Simon Hart was contacted by a number of small firms after SOMI Impiante left the site following a legal dispute.

Mr Hart recently met bosses from RWE npower – the owners of the power station - and Alstom, the main contractors.

Alstom awarded SOMI a mechanical subcontract at the project and SOMI then hired in local firms.

“The meeting was constructive and helpful, although both firms explained that for legal reasons they cannot step into a contractual dispute between Pembrokeshire companies and Somi,” said Mr Hart.

“I had a number of small family firms contact me to say they had not been paid by SOMI – some bills are for a few thousand, but many are for a great deal more.”

Somi’s UK division was dissolved in 2011 and the courts have now appointed a liquidator.

He added: “Smaller creditors such as the Pembrokeshire firms should not give up as I understand that they may have a greater chance of recovering at least some of their money. I have now written to all the firms that contacted me to outline the position and I sincerely hope that they will receive some payment for the services they provided in good faith.”