FEBRUARY could be one of the most monumental months in the history of Southampton docks.

Sources close to the government have suggested that the crucial decision on a massive £750m dock extension in Dibden Bay will be announced early in the new year - and February is emerging as the most likely month for that decision.

Planning inspector Michael Hurley, who conducted a 13-month public inquiry into Associated British Ports' plans for the land between Hythe and Marchwood, has completed his report on all the issues involved.

A government spokesman confirmed that the document is now at the offices of Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

He has the onerous task of deciding whether the importance of the

project to the region's economy can outweigh any damage to the environment or to the quality of life of people living near the bay.

Meanwhile, bosses of ABP, which operates the port, have reaffirmed their confidence that the scheme will be approved.

But while outlining that confidence to an audience at London Metropolitan University, chief executive Bo Lerenius said: "If we didn't get Dibden Bay, we would buy back shares."

That sparked an immediate reaction by the group which has fought the scheme since it was first unveiled.

Residents Against Dibden Bay Port chairman Paul Vickers commented: "This is the first time there has been such a public acknowledgement by ABP that they might not get Dibden Bay. Bo Lerenius is clearly trying to placate his big shareholders."

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, who has also opposed the port extension, said: "ABP's belated spin cannot disguise the fact that of all the container port developments in the UK, Dibden Bay is not only the most environmentally damaging, it is also the least financially viable."

But ABP has stuck firmly to its guns and it said in a statement issued to the Daily Echo: "Bo Lerenius, chief executive of ABP Holdings plc, has expressed and contines to express full confidence in the need and the process to develop Dibden Terminal."