@
mouse, this is still good news overall.
The allocation order is actually helpful because the Judge has not just listed the matter for hearing, but has specifically directed that the Claimant’s evidence must include the contract between the parties, the agreement authorising the Claimant to operate on the land, details of where that contract was made, readable photographic evidence, detailed allegations of any breach, and an explanation of how the alleged debt is calculated. In other words, the court has plainly recognised that this is not a claim that should be allowed to drift to trial on vague template assertions. The Judge wants proper evidence and proper particularisation.
The only caveat is procedural timing. The order gives both sides the same deadline, namely 4pm on 17 July 2026, for witness statements and documents. In practice, that means Gladstones will very likely wait until the last possible moment, and they may even serve late. That is frustrating, but it is not a problem we need to panic about now. We deal with what they actually produce, when they produce it. If they comply late, or dump a last-minute evidence pack which leaves the Defendant unfairly disadvantaged, that can itself be raised with the court and dealt with by way of an application or draft order seeking appropriate sanctions and consequential relief. The court will not thank a represented parking claimant for ignoring its timetable and prejudicing a litigant in person.
Also, any witness statement from their side is very likely to be from a Gladstones employee with no personal knowledge of the alleged events. That means it is not really evidence from a true witness to fact at all, but largely hearsay commentary on documents. That can be challenged for what it is. So for now, the important point is that the Judge has put them on a tighter leash than usual. Let them either comply properly or expose themselves further by not doing so. Either way, this order puts pressure on them, not on you.
Separately, there is also a trial notice listing the hearing for 20 August 2026 at 10:00am at Nottingham, with a one-hour estimate, and it records that unless the claimant pays the trial fee by 20 July 2026, the claim will be struck out automatically unless the court orders otherwise.
As soon as you receive their WS, show it to me. If they have not sent anything by 10th July, remind me and I can start to put something together for you. However, I will be away from 2nd to 22nd July but will have internet access and will find time to deal with this.
