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Gazette claims victory in fight to save 1,000 jobs

The Somerset County Gazette has claimed victory in a fight to save 1,000 jobs in Taunton which had been under threat from the proposed relocation of the UK Hydrographic Office.

The weekly newspaper began a campaign 18 months ago when the Government announced it was considering moving the UKHO – which makes sea charts and is behind the well-known Admiralty brand – from Taunton to Exeter.

The Newsquest title teamed up with local LibDem MP Jeremy Browne and mounted the Save Our Hydro campaign, culminating in hundreds of reader signatures being presented at the House of Commons.

And the paper learned its fight had been won when the Government revealed that the agency is to stay in Taunton.

County Gazette editor-in-chief Ken Bird said: “We were delighted that the Government saw sense.

“We could see no reason for moving the UKHO to Exeter. It is an outstanding service and the staff have ensured it is the world leader in its field.”

He added: “It would neither make economic sense nor was it any way to reward the hard work and skills of a talented workforce.

“We are grateful to everyone who backed our campaign and to Jeremy Browne, who has worked hard to help secure the UKHO for Taunton.”

The agency employs around 1,000 people and is Taunton’s second largest employer.

As part of the Government announcement, Derek Twigg, Under Secretary of State for Defence, wrote an article for the County Gazette, which was carried as part of a special victory feature.

He wrote: “I realise that there has been concern about a potential move to Exeter and the County Gazette’s Save Our Hydro campaign reflected those worries.”