A BOLTON MP wants a code of practice to govern the way contractors working for cable companies conduct themselves.

Peter Thurnham will raise the issue in a parliamentary debate tomorrow prompted by complaints about Nynex CableComms contractors.

He says the problems have been highlighted by an elderly woman who fell head first on the pavement and needed stitches and dental treatment. The pavements have still not been reinstated, he claims.

The BEN has highlighted many complaints about cable contractors. Last month, a Farnworth resident said contractors damaged a drainage pipe, saturating his carpets with water.

Nynex said the damage had been caused by contractors working for a different company, but when Nynex contractors repaired the drain they left a hole in the pavement.

Nynex contractors were also said to be responsible for severing a cable which led to a power cut at the NatWest bank and Whiteheads department store in Deansgate.

Earlier this year, a Westhoughton shopkeeper was furious at the disruption caused to his business when the contractors cut through another cable.

A few days later, Nynex was forced to apologise to residents after workmen knocked over a lamp-post outside their homes.

Mr Thurnham said: "I am delighted the Speaker has given me the opportunity to raise the problems caused by Nynex in my constituency."

A Nynex spokesman said the firm would not comment on Mr Thurnham's comments until after his speech.

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