battle between a concrete firm and Government planners.

Bierman's Concrete Products says it is fighting for its survival after more than 60 years of being in business.

Depending on the outcome of a current court case, they may push for compensation from Government for "hampering'' their business.

Also hanging on the result is a possible criminal charge against the company.

The Attorney General's chambers, acting for Government, may use the trial result to launch a prosecution of the company for dumping without permission.

The Environment Ministry says families near the Smith's Parish firm are suffering from noise and dust. It says Bierman's has finished work at its quarry and has no "use rights'' for other operations at the site, like making concrete block.

The company says it does have use rights, and accuses Government of trying to shut it down to win votes.

Voices were raised in Supreme Court yesterday, where the complex dispute is being heard.

Bierman attorney Mr. Mark Ray accused Government lawyer Mr. Philip Holder of being like a "butterfly'', flitting from one argument to the next but not settling on one.

Mr. Holder said the Minister was not trying to take away the firm's rights. He was asking them to establish their rights by bringing proof.

The court heard evidence from retired Bierman's worker Mr. Sylvan Lindo, a blaster and driller for about 50 years.

In a written statement he described how the firm started with lime kilns. It made powdered lime used for whitewash and in the 1940's introduced concrete block.