A DISPUTE between hauliers and the liquidator of Bell Lines is expected to be resolved by this morning. It is understood that hauliers agreed yesterday to move out up to 20 lorries containing foodstuffs which were in danger of being ruined.

A number of hauliers have remained at the Bell terminal in Waterford since the company went into liquidation on Friday. It is understood that the hauliers claimed to be owed up to Pounds 70,000 for work done while the company was in examinership.

The hauliers held talks with the liquidator, Mr David Hughes, and his team throughout yesterday.

A spokesman for the hauliers said last night that they had agreed to move out a limited amount of cargo "as a goodwill gesture" while talks with the liquidator were ongoing. He added that the situation was expected to be resolved by this morning.

Bell Lines was placed in examinership in February, but two investment proposals collapsed. The first involved Irish Continental Group and two investment companies who between them had the majority stake in the company.

The second, involving agricultural foodstuffs company IAWS, transport company Imari and venture capitalists ACT, also collapsed dramatically.

The company's debts are approaching Pounds 42 million. The largest single group of creditors are the hauliers who are owed Pounds 17 million.