A High Court confrontation is looming between Railtrack plc and one of the major local authorities in the Home Counties, North Hertfordshire District Council.
The dispute concerns the council’s occupation of Letchworth Station car park.
In a writ issued at London’s High Court, Railtrack claims that although the council have operated a paying car park on the land, they have never paid any rent for the site. Railtrack says that, from time to time, it discussed terms for a proposed tenancy with the council without ever reaching agreement.
The writ alleges that on 16 December 1997, Railtrack sent a letter to the council giving them notice to terminate any tenancy they may have in respect of the site, and asking them to vacate the car park. However, Railtrack says that despite this notice, the council have refused to leave and remain in occupation of the site.
Railtrack now accuses the council of “trespassing” and depriving it of the use of the car park, and is asking the High Court for an order granting it possession of the land. Railtrack is also claiming £16,500 in respect of car park charges received by the council since 1997, and is seeking an account of all the money the council have received as car parking fees on the land since 1997.
No date has yet been fixed for hearing of the case.
PLS News 24/8/00
