SIR — I refer to the report, "Traders fume over taxi rank move" (Free Press October 1) on the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee.
I proposed that the taxi rank for six spaces should be sited on the opposite side of the current rank, ie south facing in The Parade adjacent to Clarks and Currys, with 3-4 places outside Ocean Catch, and suggested to appropriate authorities that the original taxi site adjacent to Bastins be correctly developed exclusively for coaches, mini-buses and PSV vehicles including double-decker buses.
The proposal would allow the taxis to travel down Bancks Street or up The Avenue from Seaward Way without causing U turns or traffic congestion and be totally separated from public transport.
I strongly argued that the site by Woolworths would not be suitable due to the congestion on the pavement by trees, telephone kiosk, bus shelter, a solitary pole and the apparent long term parking of commercial vehicles nearby.
Many letters were received from traders concerned that the siting of the new rank would harm their businesses. On this argument other traders and businesses are already disadvantaged. You are very unlikely to find a space to park opposite any particular shop unless you arrive well before 9 a.m. or just before 5 p.m.
Two votes took place involving the use of the chairman's casting vote which resulted in the decision to move the main taxi rank to the site outside Woolworths.
Interestingly, the four members of the majority party, the Conservatives, supported this decision and were opposed by two Labour councillors, one Independent and one Liberal Democrat.
Cllr Peter Humber,
Foxwarren,
Withycombe.