A major shake-up of taxi ranks around Southend was being considered today by councillors.

The licensing committee was considering a number of recommendations which would make changes to the ranks, many of which are no longer used, and add new ones.

A report by technical services director David Watts said a major review had been carried out on hackney carriage stands in the town.

The proposals come just weeks after taxi drivers in Southend threatened to strike on New Year's Eve following assaults on colleagues.

Drivers were also incensed by comments made by Southend nightclub boss Andy Artemi who blamed them for some of the violence because of a lack of cars outside venues.

A meeting is due to be held between taxi drivers and union officials to discuss the way forward at Balmoral House, Westcliff, on Wednesday.

The council proposals, which have followed discussions with the trade suggest:

Closing the stand in Hartington Road outside the Cornucopia pub on the seafront, which is no longer used

Closing the stand in Burdett Avenue, Westcliff, near the junction with Hamlet Court Road

Closing the stand in Oakengrange Drive, Southend, near the Rochford Road junction

Replacing the stand in Westcliff Parade by a new one nearer the Cliffs Pavilion in Station Road to provide a better service to people leaving the major entertainment venue

Moving the stand in Alexandra Street in the town centre from opposite the Alex public house to outside the New Empire Theatre

Paul Sutton, of the Southend Taxi Drivers Association, said he was delighted with the proposals which were going to the council.

He said: "We have been talking for two years about the need for changes to the ranks in the town and we are pleased that the council has taken notice of what we have been saying."

Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003

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