bubster - 3:18 am on Dec 14, 2005 (gmt 0)

Hi

I have recently run into problems with a client I have developed a site for. The site has been live for a couple of months now and my client is trading from it and using the email and hosting service I supply. The whole design process has been very costly to us with the client changing the site and design many times, not turning up for meetings and generally giving us problems. We have been fair, honest and patient and done all the work requested at a very reasonable price- actually we run at a loss.

The client has reported to us the company is happy with our work but stated on a business forum we have ripped them off and caused an uproar with members which has made my company look bad.

Our client hasn't paid fully for our work and I've been chasing payment for weeks.

I mailed the client yesterday and gave them till the end of the day to pay stating I would terminate the hosting if payment wasn't made. I admit I lost my temper due to the forum post and told the client to stick the site where the sun doesn't shine. Unprofessional I know, but after so much time and work I was infuriated.

Our contract states we can terminate hosting at anytime if payment for invoices isn't made. Also our contract states all work remains our property until full payment.

Today at lunch time I switched off the site and emails.

I am looking for advice on the quickest legal way to remove this client from my servers. Also legally was I within my rights to terminate the hosting at such short notice. I have obviously closed down the internet side of their business. The client is a still causing problems on the forum and I am expecting a legal case. Any help or advice on the next stage and how to protect my business would be much appreciated.

regards