Taxi drivers slam city facelift

TAXI drivers and traders in Worcester city centre are up in arms over major footpath works they say has caused absolute chaos and slashed their business. The £440,000 works on pathways at The Cross and Foregate Street have been labelled a 'joke' after workmen began the six-week facelift. Cab drivers say they have been forced to drive round in circles and clog up St Swithin's Street to get fares since their rank - opposite Lloyds TSB Bank on The Cross - was closed off.

Associate Blue Star taxis owner Tariq Hussain said his takings had been cut by around three-quarters since work began because provision for a rank was too poor and no one knew where to go to get a cab.

"It has been a total nightmare. We weren't given much notice at all and, although there is a temporary rank in Trinity Street, there's not enough space and no one knows we are there.

"A few signs were put up but they have blown away and we are suffering. We have no choice but to queue in St Swithin's Street but we're getting parking tickets which is another blow."

Owner of the Blue Room on St Swithin's Street, Jayne Lloyd, agreed and said she had called Worcestershire County Council to find out when it would end.

"There just seems so little organisation and the taxi drivers are everywhere. It is a mess and my delivery drivers just can't get near the place but I had little help when I rang the council."

Fellow trader, Robert Harding owns Good News at The Cross, where the taxi rank usually operates.

He said: "It is an absolute farce. We just can't believe the ridiculous way the workmen are going about things. Barriers go up then come down and are then moved again and nothing appears to be getting done."

Cabinet member for the environment at Worcestershire County Council, Coun John Smith said officers had written to all traders in the area and met with the taxi drivers' association before the move.

He added: "Improving highways and footways is a priority for the county council. These works have been in the pipeline for some time and every effort has been taken to ensure as much access as possible to shop."