yesterday.

And Customs officers who refused to work in a run-down shed are to work through the weekend to clear a backlog of urgent packages and documents.

The week-long dispute started after Customs officers walked out of the clearing shed at the Airport in a protest over working conditions.

The three officers, however, agreed to process courier packages through the Airport baggage hall -- a move which led to delays for urgent mail.

But yesterday, Finance Minister Grant Gibbons announced that an agreement has been reached with the four courier companies.

He said the firms had agreed to lease accommodation in another building at the Airport for five years.

Dr. Gibbons added: "Government's Works and Engineering department is to renovate this building in accordance with the requirements of the courier firms.

"We anticipate that the work required will take about three months to complete and that the couriers will be operating in their new quarters by June.

"Meantime, an arrangement has been made with HM Customs and the Airport Operations Department which will facilitate the timely clearance and delivery of packages to local customers.'' The deal came despite claims by the courier firms earlier this week that the leasing deal on the new shed was too expensive and, in addition, the firms would be expected to pay for expensive X-ray machinery, video surveillance and running costs.

But Timothy Marshall, lawyer for the four firms, said last night negotiations had won the firms a better deal, which they had accepted.

He said the design for the new shed had been made simpler and cheaper by doing away with plans for a second storey.

And he added the cost of equipment would be reduced after Government agreed to allow the firms to shop around and buy the necessary items themselves.

Mr. Marshall said: "Because of our worldwide contacts, we will be able to achieve considerable savings.'' He added: "All in all, it's worked out well. Everyone is very glad we will be able to restore our service and get packages delivered on a 24-hour basis as they previously were.

"And the air express couriers are confident all the packages and documents should be arriving at their customers' doorsteps early next week.'' Mr. Marshall said the courier companies, Government and Customs had agreed to meet on a regular basis in a bid to avoid industrial disputes in the future.

AIRPORT FLY CUSTOMS CUS GOVERNMENT GVT