THE legal team representing Stanley Henig in the libel suit with David Christley have made an offer of settlement to the former tourism chief The Citizen can reveal.

The last-minute offer, which the council confirmed late on Wednesday, was made close to the deadline set by the court following the writ issued by Christley's lawyers.

A statement issued by the authority's new chief executive, Mark Cullinan, said simply: "An offer of settlement has been made to Mr Christley's solicitors in an effort to resolve the matter without the need for further, prolonged legal proceedings."

It has not been confirmed how much has been offered and it is now up to Mr Christley, who was unfairly dismissed by the authority, to consider the council's proposals.

If he doesn't accept the offer the council have confirmed that the action will continue.

The statement adds: "Unless and until this offer is accepted the legal proceedings will continue and indeed, Mr Henig's defence in the proceedings have been served today (Wednesday) in accordance with court rules."

The move has added to the confusion has to who should foot the legal bills and any compensation due should Christley's action prove successful.

Just over a month ago members were told that the council's insurers had refused to meet any costs and it looked like any bills which may become due would have to be met personally by the former council leader or from the public purse. A fortnight ago a move for the council to adopt a formal indemnification policy also failed.

Whatever the outcome the fall-out from the whole episode, which also includes a second libel action for another statement about Christley issued by former chief executive, David Corker, looks set to rumble on.

Reacting to the news of the 11th-hour offer an Independent Group spokesman commented: "The whole thing is very confusing but at the end of the day we have to do everything we can to minimise any bill that might be payable for the long-suffering tax payers.

"There's a lot more to come out on this and you can be sure we are not going to let it lie."

Mr Christley declined to comment on the matter at this time.