Taxi rank move is slammed

THE relocation of a taxi rank 50 yards onto a disabled parking bay has been slammed as showing a “total lack of planning”.

An Accrington hackney cab rank has been relocated to Church Street by Lancashire County Council (LCC), as part of the development of the new £6.4m bus station.

The change, which county hall bosses say is only “temporary”, - but will last six months - has meant the disabled parking bay has been moved off Church Street onto the former taxi rank, and traders say the change will hit their disabled customers.

Barbara Joinson, who works at Hairy Stories hairdresser, on Church Street, said: “Our disabled customers who used to park outside the shop, now have to cross a very, very busy road to get to us.

“They are going to find it difficult to come in to shop, it’s harder for them and bad for our business. There was no notification. I just don’t know why they couldn’t leave it the way it was before.”

Sarah Brankin, co-owner of Church Street News and Food, said: “We are objecting to the new rank because we have no access to our shop for deliveries, and customers can’t park up either which will impact on our passing trade.

“The taxi drivers are even struggling to open their doors by the bollards on the pavement.

“It has caused a lot of congestion. Nobody is benefitting from this - and I am concerned for my livelihood.”

LCC say the changes were introduced as part of an experimental traffic order, which also includes the new one-way system, and will monitor the situation for the next six months before deciding whether to confirm the order in 18 months’ time.

Conservative councillor Peter Britcliffe criticised the move.

He said: “Accrington is struggling enough as it is without this adding to the chaos and confusion.

“It shows a total lack of forethought and planning.”

Dwayne Lowe, area highways manager for LCC, said: “The relocation of the taxi rank from Holme Street to Church Street originated from discussions with councillors, Hyndburn Borough Council and the taxi operators.

“It’s important to make it clear that this is only a temporary change.

“While it’s in place, we’ll be speaking to local businesses and taxi operators to gauge their views on the new arrangement to see if it should be made permanent.”