SOLICITORS acting for Two Rivers Housing Association have issued court claim forms to homeowners across the Forest in the latest stage of the bitter dispute over maintenance charges.

The forms, from London based Devonshire's solicitors and lodged with Gloucester County Court arrived in early May at homes in Newnham on Severn, Lydney and Bream.

Homeowners have three options, pay up in full, dispute part of the payment or go the whole hog and defend themselves in court.

Phyllis Page from Lydney, who bought her former council house with her son back in the early 1980s was one of the first to receive a claim form and says she's determined to have her day in court.

"It is an absolute cheek. Totally ridiculous. They are charging me for grass cutting, weed clearing and hedge trimming, but I don't have any grass, any weeds or any hedges."

The arrival of the forms has galvanised opponents to the charges and they have now formed a "fighting committee" to raise funds to cover legal bills.

Dave Edwards, from Sedbury says: "We've got 100 per cent backing in places like Cinderford and we know people are willing to put money into the pot to defend themselves.

"It's the thin end of the wedge, if people give in and pay up – even though they know it's wrong – this will give Two Rivers the opportunity to charge them these fees for ever and a day. It will never end.

"What we need is for this to be tested in court... and that's what is now going to happen."

Solicitors have already been briefed by one couple, and say they are willing to act for a larger group.

Tracey Ashford of Rowbis Solicitors based in Gloucester told the Review advice has already been sought from a barrister and she anticipates the case will be moved to a higher court in Bristol.

"This is a case that will be a matter of great importance to many people. What is very important is that anybody receiving a claim form must return the forms on the deadline and present their defence by early June – we can obviously do that for them if they want us to act for them. The worry is that if you don't do anything the judgement will automatically go against you."