A couple from Hythe in Kent who say their home is subsiding because of badly-laid foundations have launched a High Court claim for more than £75,000 against Quarry Homesmiths of Lewes; Maunsell Associates, trading as Maunsell Management, of London SE20; Gyoury Sely Partnership of Eastbourne; Fairclough Homes of Billingshurst; SBH Design Group of Lewes; and Homesmiths Consultants (South) of Lightcliffe, Halifax. Martin Hodges and Christine Hawes are claiming damages for the cost of underpinning their home. The writ says the premises subsided in about March 1991 and alleges that the cause was that the foundations were not adequate for their purpose.

Writ issued by Badhams Thompson, London WC2.

Michael Ruggieri of Blunham, Bedfordshire, has issued a High Court writ claiming £570,224 and damages from Gloucestershire-based Magnox Electric, successor to the Central Electricity Generating board (CEGB), for alleged breach of contract. It claims the money is the balance due under a 1989 contract between Ashford Industrial, the CEGB and Primebark Properties.

Writ issued by Jay Benning & Peltz, London W1.

Electra Fleming, which headed a consortium buying HMSO for £125m, is being sued for fees of more than £500,000. MA Media Partners of London WC1 is claiming £543,437 or damages, and continuing interest from Electra. The writ alleges that in April 1996 Electra agreed that if the National Publishing Group Consortium (NPGC) bid for HMSO was successful, it would pay MA Media Partners a fee of 1 per cent of the first £20m paid and 0.25 per cent of the remainder. On 11 September 1996, the NPGC's part of the £125m bid was accepted by the government, and the writ claims that Electra then became liable to pay fees of £543,437, but wrongfully, and in breach of contract, has refused to pay the money.

Writ issued by Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, London WC1.

Glowsound of London W1, is suing Combined Shipping and Trading Co of London EC4, for £35,224 and continuing interest for arrears of rent, service charges and insurance on property Combined Shipping leases in Tothill Street, London SW1.

Writ issued by Linklaters & Paines, London – CH497