Residents angry at more taxi spaces in Barnham

Councillors agreed to almost double the size of the taxi rank outside the village's railway station.

But it took them four votes before they could decide upon a scheme with which they agreed.

The outcome of the debate at Arun District Council's licensing and enforcement committee means residents who live along Barnham Road opposite the station will have less space in which to park their vehicles.

They are already competing for stretches of kerbside with passengers who park their vehicles before they catch a train.

Michael Quance, of Rose Cottages in Barnham Road, told the council in a letter on behalf of his four neighbours: "The situation is now very bad and will be even worse when the taxi rank is extended.

"I hope you can see the dire situation which the residents are now in and do everything in your power to help us.

"We are the only houses along the whole length of Barnham Road which do not have anywhere to park except on the road. I feel we at least deserve to be treated on an equal basis with the taxi firm."

Councillors, however, decided to go ahead and create more space for taxi drivers. The final outcome, though, will see three spaces without any time restrictions added to the existing four instead of the additional four provisionally agreed in May, as reported in the Observer.

Representatives of two taxi firms '“ including Barnham Taxis based at the station '“ had previously told the council about the need for the additional space.

They said at least eight to ten taxis were working throughout the day, making them having to wait elsewhere if the current rank was full. Councillors decided against making eight spaces in the rank, with or without time restrictions on its occupation.

They also rejected a suggestion that two extra spaces should be formed with restrictions on their use.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP