Uppark blow for Haden

Mechanical and electrical subcontractor Haden Young faces an estimated bill of œ25 million after losing an appeal this week over a fire at the historic Uppark House in August 1989.

The firm - which has previously admitted that the fire was caused by the negligence of two of its employees - argued that because of contractual arrangements it was not liable to pay for the damage caused when the property and much of its contents were destroyed.

But the three Appeal Court judges rejected this argument

A further hearing will now take place to decide the level of damages, though estimates put the cost at up to œ25 million.

Leave to appeal to the House of Lords was refused but it is still open to the company to apply direct to the Law Lords for leave to challenge today's decision.