THERE is disagreement as to where Launceston’s taxi rank should be situated — but all who met with North Cornwall’s MP to discuss the situation last week agreed the current location is not suitable.

Conservative Scott Mann and his office manager Rachel Beadle met with two of the town’s taxi drivers, two town councillors, the town clerk, CORMAC’s East network manager and the town’s police neighbourhood beat manager last Friday evening.

The group walked to the site of the current taxi rank, along Broad Street, and Mr Mann was told there are around 20 taxis working in the town, with four spaces for taxis on the current rank — though not all of the taxis operate at the same time.

PC Steve Stoppard explained the size of the current rank means taxis can become backed up on to the zig zag lines after the pedestrian crossing, which incurs points and a fine.

Town councillor Dave Gordon told those present of the current rank: “It’s a dangerous position and people moan to us about it. There is a need for an alternative location.”

He said it would ‘make sense’ for the taxi rank to be relocated to Madford Lane, as he said it could accommodate ‘more vehicles’.

Town councillor Paul O’Brien said: “It is 50 to 60 yards up the arcade. As far as we are concerned Madford Lane is fine.”

It was suggested that benches could be provided at the top of the White Hart Arcade should the taxi rank be relocated to Madford Lane, providing shelter and seating for people waiting for taxis.

Taxi driver Mervyn Pollard said the taxi drivers would like to see the taxi rank along the cobbled pedestrianised section of the square, but town clerk Rita Skinner said this area is used for events.

Mr Pollard said taxis pulling up on Madford Lane would leave the passengers exiting the vehicle into the oncoming traffic, and raised concerns the rank would then not be in the centre of the town as it is currently.

He added: “At the end of the day it’s our living. If we go out Madford Land we might as well all pack up now. That’s just not an option.”

CORMAC’s East network manager Paul Allen suggested that the spaces on the opposite side of Broad Street could be used for taxis, but it was pointed out this would take away disabled bays.

Another option discussed was siting the taxi rank along the Castle wall, which leads into the town centre. Parking spaces along this section currently allow an hour’s free parking.

The group heard Cornwall Council would soon be reviewing taxi rank licensing, and that public consultation would have to be carried out before the taxi rank would be moved.

Mr Mann said: “All the options are quite contentious. I think we all agree it is in the wrong place at the moment.”

He told the Post: “I heard from the police officer crime and antisocial behaviour reduced when taxis are closer to drink outlets late at night. From my point of view I would like to see the rank as close to the town centre as it could be.

“I think it’s important businesses such as taxi drivers have the ability to make a decent living.”

Cllr Gordon told the taxi drivers: “We all agree you are an integral part of the town. We have just got to agree on the best site to work for everybody.”