IT was meant to be a love-nest by the sea, but is now the subject of a bitter dispute.

The former Heartbeat star, known to TV around the worldviewers as loveable rogue Claude Greengrass, has placed a legal notice in an evening newspaper in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

It says: "Please take note that I, Bill Maynard, of Sapcote, Leicestershire, will not be responsible for any goods, services or debts taken in my name unless accompanied by a written request by me."

Last night Bill, 72, confirmed the notice related to the two-bedroomed bungalow he bought last summer for £140,000.

His companion of four years, theatrical costume designer Wynn Shearme, 69, arranged the purchase while Bill was in hospital recovering from a stroke. After seven weeks in hospital he moved into Mrs Shearme's home in Princess Close, Scarborough.

They planned a £50,000 refurbishment of the love-nest, but after only ten days together, Bill walked out. Now, Mrs Shearme's solicitor has informed him by letter that she has moved into the bungalow.

Bill said: "All I can say at this time in that I am in dispute over this property I purchased last summer. After receiving - and paying - a bill for work at the bungalow, my lawyers advised me to place a legal notice in the local newspaper."

No one was available to speak on Mrs Shearme's behalf last night.