Nottingham Trent University has issued a writ against the YMCA challenging its right to terminate the university's tenancy of the students' union basement premises at 4 Shakespeare Street. The writ says the YMCA issued a notice to the university on 27 August 1996 purporting to end the tenancy held by the university on 1 March this year. The university is already suing the YMCA in proceedings in the Nottingham County Court, seeking a declaration that the termination notice is null, void and ineffective, and that the tenancy is continuing. However, the High Court is now being called in to the dispute as well. The university's writ claims that in 1991 it was given a two-year licence to use the property until August 1993 for a fee of £7,500, and that in June 1993 the YMCA agreed to grant a 10-year lease of the property for a rent of £10,000 a year. The High Court is to be asked for an order that the notice to terminate was null and void, and that the university is entitled to possession.

Writ issued by Eversheds.

Derby Fairmount Trust of Leatherhead, Surrey, is suing chartered surveyor and valuer Andrew Watton, trading as Andrew Watton & Co, of Stroud, Gloucestershire, over the alleged over-valuation of a 27-unit development at Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. Its writ claims that he valued the development at £1,647,000 for 15 shops and 12 residential units. In reliance on the valuation, Derby Fairmount says that it loaned property owner George Keppe £416,000. However, it claims that Keppe was unable to maintain the repayments, and on 17 February 1994, the trust entered into an agreement with Keppe transferring the property to it in consideration of being released from his obligations under the mortgage.

Writ issued by George Carter & Co, Kingston upon Thames.

A Hertfordshire man, who claims he has been disinherited from his aunt's will because he has been defamed, has launched a High Court action against those he accuses of slandering him. John Harper's writ claims damages from Roger England, of Avon. The writ claims that England both libelled and slandered Harper to members of the Lions Club in Cheltenham, to solicitors Gordon Lowe, to his aunt, Mrs A Cotching, and to various other relatives. He claims that as a result of what was said about him his aunt disinherited him.

Writ issued by Harper in person.