Bermuda followed a method of laying cables used in Britain and several other countries.

For almost a decade trenching in Britain, Australia, and India has virtually been replaced by a device that can lay cables as thick as 11.8 inches some 200 to 300 feet in distance.

And the tool, known as an Pneumatic impact mole or puncher, could be made available here if there is enough interest.

National Trust member Mr. Barry Kayes yesterday told The Royal Gazette he has rented several models of the mole from Pneumatic Punchers Ltd. (PPL) -- a UK firm operated by his brother Mr. Allan Kayes.

And he is willing to give those interested a couple of free demonstrations and trial runs.

"Basically, I'm trying to bring them in to improve the environment, rather than make a profit,'' said Mr. Kayes who hopes to eventually rent and sell the punchers from his business -- Electronic Communications Ltd. off Serpentine Road.

Mr. Kayes, along with his son Martin who worked as a quality inspector for PPL, pointed out that the puncher can be used to bury any pipes or cable at any angle.

Once a pit has been dug at the beginning and end of the roadwork, the puncher -- with the necessary cables, wires or pipes inside -- is launched from a sturdy, purpose-designed cradle.

The puncher's launch cradle includes a telescopic sight which allows the operator to aim the equipment with accuracy.

The puncher, which looks like a missile, launches through the ground and emerges into the other access pit, in line with the ranging rod at which the telescopic sight was aimed.

The puncher, which combines boring and pipeline laying, can be used horizontally or vertically.

"In one action they do everything without having to trench the streets,'' Mr.

Kayes said, adding that in the UK trenching is not allowed if a "mole'' can do the job.

Mr. Kayes said he has contacted contractors who carry out trenching for the Bermuda Electric Light Company and the Bermuda Telephone Company.

He said the reaction so far has been: "It's different. It's new. But I know trenching works.

"But we're willing to let them use it without any charge. The stock just arrived on Thursday.'' One company that has shown interest is Watlington Waterworks.

Managing director Mr. Douglas Fetigan said while the company does not yet know enough about the product, "the concept is interesting''.

"There are applications that we would find useful, but we really haven't seen enough on it yet to really form a judgment,'' he said, adding that he is waiting for Mr. Kayes to get back to him.

If the puncher is accepted, Mr. Kayes said he will buy some from the UK and have them at his business to rent or buy.

The rental and purchase prices will be the same as in the UK, plus duty and freight cost.

In the UK the purchase price ranges from $3,000 to $22,500, depending on size, and rental costs start at about $300.

ON TARGET -- Mr. Barry Kayes and his son Martin show two models of the Pneumatic puncher which can be used for road trenching in Bermuda. (See story below).