Castle Point's two biggest taxi firms have joined forces, with the King family in the driving seat.
Canvey Football Club manager Jeff King and his brother Graham, who own Steve's taxi company, have extended their empire by buying up Wheels, which is also based on the island.
The merger gives the brothers 88 cars, making the firm the biggest taxi company in the borough.
The family already own Kings Park caravan site on Canvey, which is a separate business to the taxi firm, and Jeff King finances the island's Ryman league premier division football club.
Jeff King, who described the deal as an amalgamation rather than a takeover, said: "This will enable us to offer a better service because we will have more cars.
"Wheels is the biggest taxi firm in Benfleet, so we will now be able to cover all of Castle Point, rather than just Canvey, so it is good news for the whole borough."
Nick Onley, the former owner of Wheels, retains his bus business, which has been renamed Easybus.
Mr Onley said: "This is a good deal for everyone. It creates an enormous fleet in Castle Point but people will still get as good a service as before."
Published Tuesday November 5, 2002
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