TAUNTON'S MP has refuted accusations he is not doing enough to keep a major Government business local.

Conservative Mark Formosa, who is opposing LibDem MP Jeremy Browne at the next General Election, claims his Party would maintain the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton - and not privatise it.

But Mr Browne said he has met many of the 1,000 UKHO staff and bosses and Government Ministers, as well as backing the County Gazette Save Our Hydro campaign.

The MoD is reviewing the UKHO and will rebuild its Admiralty Way factory, relocate in Taunton or move to offices next to Exeter's MetOffice.

Mr Formosa said he had an undertaking from the Shadow Cabinet that would secure the UKHO's future in Taunton and block any sell off.

But Mr Browne hit back by accusing the Conservatives of threatening to sell off the UKHO at the last General Election.

For the full row, see this week's Somerset County Gazette.