BOLTON Institute's hopes of winning university status look to be fading.

In a leaked memo to staff, Principal Professor Bob Oxtoby describes the outlook on securing the university title as "pretty gloomy".

Although ministers are said to be sympathetic to the Institute's aspirations, it appears they will accept the advice of the Quality Assurance Agency to refuse the application.

This advice is based on an inspection of the Institute earlier this year which uncovered weaknesses in Theatre and Film Studies, which represents just 1pc of the Institute's provision.

But, speaking yesterday, Professor Oxtoby said there was no question of pulling out at this stage.

He remains optimistic that the Institute, which first mooted its intentions to secure university status in the mid 1980s, can overcome the obstacles in its path.

Despite this he believes the publication of the Government's White Paper on "Lifelong Learning", which is due in late January 1998, could result in the goalposts being shifted once again.

"We understand this Paper will be accompanied by a policy statement which will probably announce a review of the criteria for awarding the university title," he said.

"At the moment we are not getting positive messages about our existing application and this is causing some anxiety."

Professor Oxtoby and the chair of governors are planning to meet the Education Secretary before January's publication, a meeting confirmed by Bolton MP Brian Iddon who remains as committed to the Institute's bid as his two Labour colleagues.

"There's no question of our giving up. I do not think the situation is as bleak as that. The situation changes daily and I do not think our prospects are by any means hopeless," he added.

"The fact that the Secretary of State has agreed to a meeting has to be a positive and this, I believe provides a very real chink of light."

In his memo Professor Oxtoby says that should the Institute fail, the advice from solicitors is that it stands a "reasonable to good" chance of succeeding in judicial review proceedings.

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