Fire, snow and recession have dented profits at Eurotunnel.

The Channel Tunnel operator today (9) reported a slump in net profit to £1.26m in 2009, down from £30m the previous year.

Eurotunnel's financial performance was affected by the aftermath of the devastating Chunnel fire in September 2008 which partially closed the tunnel until February 9 last year.

Services were also cancelled during the Big Freeze in December.The Anglo-French business said that the truck market had fallen by a fifth compared to 2007.

Profit would have been higher but for claims by Eurostar, the high-speed operator, and SNCF, French Railways, with Eurotunnel's insurers regarding the partial tunnel closure.

The legal dispute has delayed insurance payments to Eurotunnel which has had to put aside £62m until a ruling is made.

It said Eurotunnel was taking "all appropriate measures" to ensure it receives full compensation for losses to which it is entitled under the insurance policies.