A RISING star in the business world has deserted its County Durham base amid accusations that poor technology had cost it vital business.

Reevu, innovator of the first cycle helmets to contain a rear-view mirror, has moved to temporary accommodation in Washington, Tyne and Wear.

The company established itself in the small rural town of Willington after taking seven years to design its technology.

But in under two years it had pulled out and is now searching for a new permanent home.

Durham County Council revealed last night it is pursuing the company for unpaid rent and insurance totalling nearly £4,500.

Demand for cycle helmets worldwide has seen Reevu enter markets in 15 countries, selling 30,000 this year.

Next year will see the launch of the motorcycle version of its patented mirrors system.

Due to the nature of the business, the company needed fast Internet links.

The firm's founder and chief executive Billy Morgan said he was promised the right technology when he moved into Low Willington Industrial Estate in March last year.

He said it took many months for broadband technology to be installed, and when it was it did not work properly.

Mr Morgan said: "It is impossible to evaluate how much business we lost as a result of it. We were trying to establish ourselves as an international company and we were made to look like a Mickey Mouse outfit."

Durham County Council said that the company was aware that high-speed Internet access was not available when it moved in.

Within six months it was in place but problems with Reevu's own technology led to a number of teething troubles.

A county council spokesman said: "We have bent over backwards to get broadband in at considerable cost to the county council.

"There were technical difficulties at their end combined with a lack of training, improper equipment and lack of understanding. We believe we did everything possible for the business."