The meeting was said to have been co-operative and constructive

Lorraine Whiting was shot in the legs by her estranged husband in March 1995. She bled to death when police refused to allow paramedics into the property.

Her daughter, Catherine Elvin, 35, of Winfarthing, failed in an effort to sue the police, who then sought to recover £92,000 legal costs from her.

A meeting on Wednesday had a "positive outcome", said Mrs Elvin's MP.

"I believe there is now light at the end of the tunnel," said South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon.

Killed himself

"Although I cannot discuss details, there is now a reasonable solution available which is fair to both the police and to the family, who would be able to keep their home."

Mrs Whiting, who was 49, was shot in Sittingbourne in Kent by Leonard Carter, who then killed himself.

She called 999 and told police her husband was dead, but officers would not let paramedics into her home because they feared the gunman might still be alive.

Kent Police said it never wanted to cause hardship to the family

The case was due to be heard at Central London County Court on 20 September, and Mr Bacon had asked Home Secretary Charles Clarke to intervene

However, after the meeting with Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority, the court hearing has now been postponed until Mrs Barnes submits a proposal to the other authority members on 28 September.

"I am very pleased to have been able to speak to Mrs Elvin and other members of her family about this matter," said Mrs Barnes.

"I believe we are making good progress towards reaching a resolution."