SIR — Running a taxi business in Minehead is proving to be difficult enough when the council insists on moving the rank, but when some people expect cheap fares, and even worse refuse to pay their fare, it makes it even more frustrating.

We are fed up with people (albeit a minority) seeing the fare on the meter and then accusing the driver of overcharging.

Do they realise that in asking for a reduced fare they are expecting the driver in effect to take a pay cut? Would they take a cut in their wages, benefit or pension? We think not!

The meter price as set by West Somerset district Council is very reasonable compared with other parts of the country, where rates are set much higher.

The fare on a bus or the total at the supermarket checkout are accepted, so why not a taxi fare?

We frequently work long and unsociable hours, for which we expect to be paid accordingly. We are not hoping to make our fortune, just a decent living — surely that is not too much to ask.

Frank and Denise Darrell,

Frank's Taxi,

Glenmore Road,

Minehead.