MID-HANTS Railway plc (MHR) and its former locomotive superintendent, John Bunch, have finally managed to draw a line under their four-year dispute. It officially ended in an out-of-court settlement in November last year but rumbled on, with the issue of press releases and web- site publications serving to fuel further conflict between the parties. These public statements became the subject of civil proceedings for defamation of character brought by Mr Bunch against MHR but which were officially settled on Wednesday last week. The MHR, its chairman, David Snow, and Mr Bunch have now issued a joint statement which they hope will clarify the situation and put the matter to rest. The statement explains that "the (original) civil proceedings (settled on November 10) concerned a claim for damages arising from the restoration, repair and overhaul of locomotives made by MHR against John Bunch." In the out-of-court settlement, the claim by MHR was withdrawn and the company made a contribution to Mr Bunch's costs. Mr Bunch made no payments to MHR. The statement continued: "MHR accepts that its allegations against John Bunch were unfounded and that John Bunch was not guilty of any fraudulent or criminal activity. "MHR is grateful that John Bunch agreed not to stand for election or enter its premises until 2019. That agreement was made in an attempt to avoid further conflict between the parties." With reference to the press releases and web- site publication it said: "MHR and David Snow never intended to cause any distress to John Bunch or his family. They were concerned only to explain recent events to their shareholders. However, they do apologise unreservedly to John Bunch and his family for the hurt and embarrassment they have suffered." Following the release of the joint statement Mr Bunch added that he was "very happy that these further proceedings have been settled". He is looking forward now, he said, "to remaining as a force within the steam railway industry."