Manorbier Community Council are facing a claim for damages of up to £300,000, after being taken to court by a local marketing firm over an unpaid bill. The council spent around £18,000 unsuccessfully defending the claim in court, with the owner of Haverfordwest-based ICT Marketing, Debbie Garside, now claiming that the council has damaged her reputation and cost her business. The marketing company submitted a bill in 2005 of £4,600 for a report it produced, based on a community survey it carried out for the council, with community councillors voting to contest the bill. Earlier this year, though, a judge sitting at Haverfordwest County Court found in the marketing company's favour. On top of the £18,000 the council spent on legal fees, it was ordered to pay the £4,600 plus £700 in interest. Miss Garside, the company's managing director, has now informed the council she intends to pursue further legal action. She said she was considering a claim of £250,000 for loss of business and £50,000 for damage to her personal reputation. Miss Garside added that she was prepared to enter into negotiations to resolve the matter and gave the council two weeks to respond. A spokesman for Manorbier Community Council said it was considering the matter.
