Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel Group, France-Manche Societe Anonyme and Eurotunnel Developments are suing the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, over plots of land near the English Channel Tunnel entrance. They have issued three High Court writs seeking unlimited compensation for the value of the land, taken near Folkestone, and compensation for severance, injurious affection and disturbance in amounts which may be decided by the Lands Tribunal, as well as interest. The companies are bringing their claim under the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 and the Land Compensation Act 1961 for the compulsory acquisition and entry on their land since 1990 by the Secretary of State, under powers conferred by the Channel Tunnel Act 1987. The Channel Tunnel Group and France-Manche are jointly suing over 20 plots; Eurotunnel Developments is suing over 22 plots; and Eurotunnel is suing over nine plots.

Writs issued by Cameron McKenna, London EC3.

Colin and Janet Smith of North Weald are suing Essex County Council, seeking an injunction ordering that the council removes three white willow trees (salix alba) growing on land adjacent to their home, or an injunction ordering the council to stop the tree roots from encroaching onto their property and causing desiccation of the subsoil. The claim is limited to £50,000. The Smiths claim in their writ that they have suffered loss, damage, expense, inconvenience and anxiety as a result of the council's negligence and breach of statutory duty in failing to manage and control the trees.

Writ issued by Badhams Thompson, Croydon.

Christopher and Barbara Cox of Dorking are suing building surveyors and architectural and design consultants Geoffrey Sloane Associates and Geoffrey J Sloane for damages for alleged breach of contract in respect of a building project at Bear Green, Dorking.

Writ issued by Wansbroughs Willey Hargrave, London EC3.

The Kennedy Construction Group of Altrincham, Cheshire, is suing Andrew Wainwright of Wigan for an account of all money he has allegedly misappropriated from the company since 1 January 1994 to the present day, and an order for restitution. Writ issued by Garretts, Manchester.