THE future of the former Ushers bottling plant hangs in the balance as government officers decide whether to call the application in for a public inquiry.

Insiders at the Government Office for the South West (GoSW) have told civic leaders a decision will be made either way on the Trowbridge site by the end of August.

West Wiltshire District councillors voted for the 92-home project in June but the application was referred to the GoSW for final approval.

Extending the initial 21-day consideration period, now GoSW officers hold the key to the project's long-term future.

Fears are mounting over a 19-home social housing development making up part of the application, which is threatened with the axe unless Foinavon and Mystique's scheme is passed without a hitch.

The social housing scheme, part-funded by West Wilts Housing Society, could fold if a building contract is not in place by January 2004 and time is running out.

West Wilts MP Andrew Murrison has been pushing for a decision to be made and said the Government office would be held accountable if the social housing project collapsed.

He said: "It would be a tragedy.

"I share the concerns over the application.

"I will take the matter to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

"If this application was called in John Prescott would have to make a decision.

"I will hold the Government office responsible if we fail to get the social housing that is part of the package.

"My understanding is a decision is to be made imminently."

Former district council economic portfolio holder Jeff Osborn said he was informed the application was next in line for a decision.

"It is about time too. It is fingers crossed. I can't see any problems but there are no guarantees.

"I have been informed it will be dealt with by the end of the month.

"If it is called in for a public inquiry it could mess a lot of things up."

Cllr Osborn said he believes Trowbridge residents need to see progress with the Ushers site or lose faith in future projects planned for the county town.

Last week housing society property services director Paul Moore, said a building contract for the social housing must be in place by January or else the scheme could collapse.