Shareholders of the Mid-Hants Railway are to be asked to vote out a company director in a bid to bring debilitating internal bickering to an end.

A report to the board said executive director, John Bunch, had sent queries about safety on the line to third parties without telling his own safety director or the board. An audit later cleared the company.

Report author and non-executive director, David Snow, said fellow board members were "appalled" at Mr Bunch's actions. "Some directors seem more concerned at playing politics. This bickering must end.

"Having originally decided not to seek the removal of Mr Bunch, your directors feel his recent interventions are incompatible with his duties and conclude they have no alternative but to seek his removal."

He also warned that the "internal nonsense" had a "serious impact on our ability to manage the business".

Mr Bunch has been released on bail in connection with other allegations when he was locomotive superintendent with the preserved steam line.