A CONTROVERSIAL telephone prizeline has finally been closed down, almost a fortnight after a watchdog said it was pulling the plug.

The premium rate watchdog ICSTIS claimed today that its pressure on promoters Disbursement Claims and telephone network operators World Telecom had finally paid off.

But Disbursement Claims boss Colin Butler claimed it had closed down the line of its own accord because the promotion had come to an end.

The £1-a-minute premium rate line was rung by hundreds of York householders hoping they had won a big cash prize or a TV.

They claim a letter they received from the Bucks-based firm led them to believe they had a good chance of winning the big prize.

In fact, to the knowledge of the Evening Press, everyone who spent up to £6 ringing the line found out they had won a lifetime personal telephone number and answerphone service. And West Yorkshire residents who won such a prize last autumn are still waiting for their gift.

ICSTIS said a fortnight ago that it was pulling the plug on the service because it believed the firm was using misleading promotional literature and it was not satisfied that people were receiving their prizes. Nor had the firm paid a £2,000 fine imposed last November.

But the watchdog does not have mandatory powers in such matters, and could only recommend closure to the network operator responsible for the line, World Telecom. A long wrangle developed, during which numerous York people continued spending up to £6 ringing the line.

ICSTIS announced that access to the line had been cut after a meeting with World Telecom and with Mr Butler. "The pressure has finally paid off," said spokesman Rob Dwight, adding that the line would only be allowed to start up again if the firm paid off a £2,000 fine and also persuaded ICSTIS and trading standards officers that it was running a satisfactory promotion.

Mr Butler said: "We have switched it off because we are changing the promotion." He claimed the line would be up and running again soon for the new promotion.

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