THERE are fresh fears this week that one of Taunton’s biggest employers could be forced to move out of the town.

Urgent talks are being held to secure the future of the UK Hydrographic Office in the town after it was confirmed a study of options is being carried out to replace the “ageing and expensive” premises in Admiralty Way which employs around 1,000 people.

A spokesperson confirmed that options are being considered to replace the current estate saying they would be looking at options in Taunton and anywhere up to an hour’s travelling distance.

This has sparked concern it could move from its current home where it has been since the Second World War to Exeter or further afield.

Newly-elected Taunton Mayor Marcia Hill said would be “devastating”.

Mrs Hill, whose husband, Julian, works at the UKHO part time, said: “As a councillor, I’m devastated that they are again thinking of moving it out of Taunton.

“I’ll do all I can as a councillor to keep it here and we need our MP to fight our corner as well – hopefully we’ll be able to do enough to sway them to stay here.”

Taunton MP Rebecca Pow has raised her concerns with Prime Minister David Cameron and is organising meeting with defence ministers to make sure it stays in Somerset.

She has previously sought reassurance from defence secretary Michael Fallon that the UKHO would stay in the town.

Ms Pow said: “The UK Hydrographic Office is a very longstanding, highly valued, major employer in Taunton.

“I will continue to work alongside the organisation and the council to ensure the UKHO realises its plans for a new-build, state of the art building and remains right here in Taunton Deane."

Back in 2007, the Hydro fought off government plans to relocate it to Exeter.

It has previously been rumoured that its new home could be at Taunton’s Firepool Site or at a potential business park at J25.

A spokesperson for the UKHO said: “The UKHO is considering options to replace the current ageing and expensive estate with a new one and is in the early stages of producing a business case and gaining approval for a new office. “

A spokesperson for Taunton Deane Council added: “The UK Hydrographic Office is a valued, large employer in Taunton and has had a presence here for very many years.

“Taunton Deane Borough Council has always enjoyed a positive working relationship with UKHO and is working closely with the organisation to enable UKHO to realise its plans for a new-build state of the art headquarters within Taunton.”