A HORRABRIDGE couple, left homeless after a mineshaft was found underneath their bungalow, appear to be nearing an agreement with their insurers over responsibility for the shaft.

John and Jean Coulthard have been moving between bed and breakfast and rented accommodation for the last 19 weeks after being forced to evacuate their home of 12 years at Copperfields, Horrabridge, earlier this summer. Now the couple appear close to reaching a settlement with their insurers.

Zurich Insurance cover the couple's bungalow, while the contents insurance — which includes public liability — is with Norwich Union. Zurich had offered to pay the couple the value of their house— around £160,000 — but would not assume responsibility for the potentially dangerous mineshaft.

The couple were concerned that in the event of a collapse they could have been left liable for any injury suffered by a member of the public using the right of way which runs alongside the bungalow, as well as facing the responsibility for paying for capping the mine.

But last Friday there was a breakthrough when Zurich contacted the Coulthards' solicitor to say they were preparing a new offer to the couple.

Mr Coulthard said he was very pleased the long ordeal appeared to be moving closer to a conclusion: 'We haven't had anything in writing yet, but it's very good news to us that things are heading in the right direction at last. It's a big relief; hopefully we can go and start looking for a new house soon.'

Wendy May, for Zurich, said the final proposal was being prepared and although she could not divulge details of the latest offer to the Coulthards she was 'extremely optimistic' the situation would be resolved soon.

'We are hopeful the proposal will be a solution to the problem,' she said.

The Coulthards' solicitor Gary Eddleston-Haynes, an associate with Foot, Anstey and Sargeant, said: 'It's extremely good news. This was the last thing that Mr and Mrs Coulthard needed in their retirement. They have dealt with it extremely well and I am pleased for them.'

A geologist's report earlier this year revealed there was a 700ft chasm underneath the bungalow which could collapse into the Franco Mine copper mine at any time.