Bank job spoils cabbies’ getaway

A SPIRIT of compromise has helped resolve a potential parking wrangle between South Tyneside cabbies and council bosses.

Taxi drivers vented their anger two weeks ago when their rank in East Street, South Shields, was blocked off as a result of repair work at the back of Lloyds TSB bank.

Scaffolding was erected which prevented the cabbies from waiting in the popular rank.

It was feared the local authority intended to move the taxi drivers to another area until the work was completed.

The drivers were anxious to remain at the location because they say the rank is one of the busiest in town.

After discussions with South Tyneside Council officials, a compromise was reached.

Cabbies have been allowed to continue operating close to the rank, and traffic wardens have been requested to “show discretion” because of the situation.

Glasgow-based Graham Roofing is replacing dangerous slates on the bank’s roof which were dislodged as a result of flood damage.

The work is expected to last for at least another two weeks.

Hackney carriage driver Raymond Carr, 72, said: “When they first put the scaffolding up we got on to the council. It’s so tight around there that we can’t get the vehicles turned around.

“To be fair to the council they could have closed the rank, but they have let us stay here and told the traffic wardens to leave us alone.

“Now it’s just a question of grinning and bearing it for another couple of weeks.

“It’s gone on for three weeks already, but we accept that it’s work that just has got to be done. We’re willing to be patient for a little longer.”

A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: “The council met with the local representative for the Federation of Taxi Drivers ahead of the building work, to discuss the temporary disruption to the rank in question. Everything put in place is for a necessary safe working zone that meets with health and safety requirements.

“These arrangements were put in place as an alternative to closing the taxi rank completely and are aimed at minimising disruption to taxi drivers to ensure their safety, as well as that of their passengers.”

source: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/