INBRIEF

TUNNELLING MILESTONE

The œ2 billion Jubilee Line Extension reached a major milestone on Tuesday with the completion of all eight miles of twin tube running tunnels between Bermondsey and Canada Water - on time. Permanent track work is now underway. Project Manager Construction Mike Smith said the Spring 1998 opening is firmly in sight.

EIGHT JAILED FOR VIOLENCE

Eight men have been convicted of violent disorder and other offences arising from an assault on road surface dressing workers last year. Two offenders received sentences of 4.5 and 3.5 years, while six others received custodial sentences, none suspended.

BRICK SALES UP 25%

Over 800 million bricks were despatched in the second quarter of this year - a rise of 25% on the first quarter - according to DoE figures. But Brick Development Association chief executive, Michael Ankers, said that the increase had a lot to do with the poor performance earlier in the year and that despatches were still 4% down on the equivalent period in 1995.

AGGREGATES TRADE falls

Prospects for the aggregates sector continue to look poor for 1996 with a 22% decline in sales volumes of asphalt in the second quarter of 1996, compared with the same period in 1995. Crushed rock sales fell 15%, sand and gravel by 10% and ready-mixed concrete by 6% over the same period.

ADR NET WELCOME WOOLF

Lord Woolf's "Access to Justice" report which places great emphasis on disputes resolution to avoid litigation has been welcomed by the Alternative Dispute Resolu-tion Net - a group of UK-wide lawyers. The ADR Net believes that the legal reform would have a major impact on the construction and housing sectors by saving millions of pounds avoiding long, drawn-out costly disputes.