Bank stands accused as another construction firm is forced under

摘要

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association has accused banks of being short-sighted after one of its founding members went under last week. rnBuilding and engineering firm Harry Lynch was placed into liquidation by administrators KPMG, making 21 staff redundant. rnThe West Lothian-based firm had failed to pay a bill of £24,131.97 to a builder's merchant which raised a court action against it. rnBut Harry Lynch had itself been hit by the collapse of Scottish housebuilder MCA Homes in November, for which it was carrying out civil works at a housing development. MCA's collapse meant it defaulted on a £97,000 debt to Harry Lynch. rnBosses at Harry Lynch say they arranged several meetings with the firm's lender, the Bank of Scotland, in a bid to ease the cashflow problems.