The top manager of the Somerset resort in a legal battle over possession of one of its cottages admitted that he was ordered to formalise an agreement to allow the former president's widow live on the site.

Cambridge Beaches managing director Mike Winfield told Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller yesterday of a meeting where the late Thaddeus Trott issued a directive that a lease be drawn up for the cottage he shared with his wife Roberta.

But the lease was never executed and following the death of Mr. Trott in 1997, Cambridge Beaches and landowners Frascati Hotel Co. gave the widow notice to quit All Spice cottage.

Mrs. Trott refused to leave and the plaintiffs took the matter to court to force an eviction and claim damages of $224,856.

During the civil hearing yesterday, Mr. Winfield said he remembered a meeting about a lease.

Lawyer Georgia Marshall, acting for Mrs. Trott, said Mr. Trott wanted a five-year lease for his wife, to begin one year after his death.

"I believe Thaddeus Trott had every wish to have such an agreement drawn up,'' said Mr. Winfield.

Mrs. Marshall added: "It was your job to accomplish that.'' The witness agreed it was, subject to any other comments or instructions.

Cambridge Beaches and Frascati claim Mrs. Trott has no legal right to remain in the cottage, which they would like to turn into guest accommodation.

And they alleged that she has not paid rent of $2,100 a month.

Yesterday, Mrs. Marshall said it appeared that Mr. Trott, who died in October 1997, was getting his affairs in order -- with the lease order and writing of his will.

Mr. Winfield said Mr. Trott asked him to become an executor and trustee but made no mention of a will being drawn up.

Mrs. Marshall, speaking of the 1995 meeting where the lease directive was issued, said the next step was for Mr. Winfield to carry out the order.

"He (Mr. Trott) wasn't opening it up for debate, he had made his mind up, you were being told to put this agreement in writing,'' she said.

"Yes,'' replied Mr. Winfield.

But Mrs. Marshall queried why no or little progress appeared to have been made in the draughting of the lease, following the directive.

She said: "It would seem peculiar by December, 1995 you have not taken steps to do anything about it, why was nothing done between June and December 1995.

"What delayed the production of the lease?'' Mrs. Marshall asked.

Mr. Winfield replied: "I have no specific recollection of reasons for delay, other than it wasn't a priority at the time.''