Stuart Simpson, former finance director of the Old English Pub Co in Potters Bar, is suing the company and four directors for damages over an allegedly untrue trading statement. Simpson says he was concerned the company's accounting practices were of doubtful validity and he told chief executive Barry Warwick he could only permit the practices if there was adequate justification and supporting evidence. The writ says that ultimately Simpson, a chartered accountant, gave 12 months' notice of termination of his employment in January 1999. But the writ complains that, despite Simpson's objections to its accuracy and without his consent, the other board members – Eric Walters, James Jennings, Paul Simpson and Barry Warwick – released the trading statement on 12 January. He claims that, among other things, the statement inferred he was to blame for the profit shortfall, was incapable of cost control planning, and was completely to blame for matters leading to the statement. He said it also inferred that there was a link between the statement's contents and his resignation.

Writ issued by Clyde & Co, Guildford

National Car Parks (NCP) is taking Gloucester City Council to the High Court, seeking an order for a new tenancy of the staff car park under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. The car park is leased to NCP under a 1975 lease. The writ says the council served a notice on 4 November 1998 ending the tenancy and saying that it would oppose a new one. NCP served a counter notice, saying that it was not willing to give up the tenancy, and proposing a new tenancy of 14 years at a rent of 25 per cent of the car park's gross parking receipts, with a tenant's-only break clause, for any reason at any time, on not less than three months' notice.

Originating summons issued by Hamlin Slowe, London W1

Veronica Hudson, administrator of the estate of the late Selvin Hudson of Clapham, London SW4, is suing St George's Healthcare NHS Trust of Tooting, London SW17, for damages in respect of the death of Mr Hudson at St George's Hospital on January 13 1996. The writ claims that his death resulted from negligent medical treatment, management and advice given to him.

Writ issued by Parlett Kent, London EC1