THE MP for Exeter has promised not to pressure the Ministry of Defence to relocate the UK Hydrographic Office from Taunton to Devon.

Minister for the South West Ben Bradshaw, on a visit to Taunton on Friday, said he had previously pushed for the sea chart maker, which employs 1,000 staff, to move to Exeter.

The Ministry of Defence will decide before the end of the year whether to rebuild the UKHO on its existing Admiralty Way site; relocate in Taunton; or uproot to Exeter.

Mr Bradshaw said: "I've listened to the representations made and clearly people want a quick decision.

"As MP for Exeter, I previously expressed a view in favour of moving to Exeter, but with my regional role, I can't get involved."

Taunton MP Jeremy Browne told Mr Bradshaw that it is crucial the UKHO remains in Taunton.

"It's a vital part of the local economy as well as being closely connected to the community in Taunton Deane," said Mr Browne.

"It would be terrible for Taunton to lose 1,000 jobs just when the town is aiming to attract new investment and employment opportunities.

"Ben Bradshaw is the MP for Exeter, so there's potential for a conflict of interest with his Ministerial role.

"He assured me he wouldn't seek to put inappropriate pressure on the MoD and that he'd make it clear it would be preferable to have a decision sooner rather than later."

*For more on this story, see Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.