Sorba taken to court in non-payment row

Trafalgar Electrical has launched a £220,000 legal battle against Sorba UK in a row over major construction projects at Swiss Cottage and Neasden Stations and the modernisation of St Pancras.

Sorba, which was providing fitting out and cladding for main contractors Birse Metro, engaged Trafalgar to supply labour and other services on the projects, according to a writ issued in London’s High Court.

Work at Swiss Cottage involved refurbishing the ticket hall area, and water management works to stop water from coming in through the roof of the ticket hall, and modernisation of both Swioss Cottage and Neasden stations.

A series of invoices totalling £204,193.50 were sent to Sorba’s Netherlands arm rather than the UK business, but these remain unpaid, the writ says.

Solicitors for Trafalgar issued a statutory demand against Sorba, but this was challenged on the basis that there was a dispute over the outstanding invoices, the writ claims.

Birketts, solicitors for Sorba, issued a legal letter contending there was a bona fide dispute but did not challenge that the payment was due, the court will hear. Trafalgar’s solicitors replied to the letter saying that legal proceedings would follow, but received no reply, the writ says.

Now Trafalgar, trading as DCS Building Services, is suing Sorbafor payment of £204,193.50 as well as interest of £14,285.79, and continuing interest of £74.13 a day.

The writ was issued by Crust Lane Davis ref Frank Crossley.