Trading Statement

Shanks Group PLC
31 March 2004

31 March 2004
Company announcement

Shanks Group plc Pre-Close Period Trading Statement

Shanks Group plc confirms that underlying trading in the second half of 2003/4
was in line with market expectations. The anticipated recovery in UK Waste
Services has been the major contributor to this improved performance. However,
the finalisation of the UK pension actuarial valuation will result in a charge
to the 2003/4 profits which is £1m greater than had previously been predicted.

A further 15 million m3 of landfill void has been purchased at the Group's
existing Calvert site for a consideration of £13m, largely on deferred terms. At
a cost of less than £1/ m3, this represents attractive long-term value for the
Group.

Shanks intends to announce its Preliminary Results on Wednesday, 26 May 2004.

                                      Ends

For further information on 31 March, before close period begins, please contact:

Michael Averill, Group Chief Executive
David Downes, Group Finance Director or
John Shaughnessy, Group Head of External Relations
(email [e-mail])

Shanks Group plc, telephone [phone]



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