Controversial plans for an Isle of Wight fuel pipeline from Fawley Refinery have been abandoned according to an MP. 

UPDATE: ExxonMobil releases statement after abandoning Isle of Wight pipeline plan

In a post on his website, New Forest East MP, Dr Julian Lewis said he'd been advised that ExxonMobil is not continuing with proposals to transport CO2 from Fawley to a "carbon capture" storage site beneath the English Channel.

Two of the proposed routes was set to have been on the Isle of Wight.

Last month the IW Council voted to oppose the plan, with a campaign spearheaded by Cllr Nick Stuart and Cllr Claire Critichison. 

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As previously reported - more than 1,400 people have signed an online petition against the plan which would see millions of tonnes of the greenhouse gas dumped underground.

Mr Lewis added that given the £5 billion investment involved and the lack of a long-term government plan, the company felt the investment was "uncompetitive". 

He said: "This will come as a great relief to numerous constituents in the Forest and on the Island.

"I commend ExxonMobil both for its willingness to think again and its assurances that its valued and vital contribution to the local economy will continue, despite this reluctant but welcome change of course.”

ExxonMobil has been approached for more information.