If not here, where? — taxi chief's question to those opposing plan for taxi rank outside cathedral
A prominent figure in the Dundee taxi trade has told those who oppose plans for a new rank outside a cathedral to "grow up."
Dundee Taxi Association chairman Graeme Stephen made the comments on the back of an application for a taxi rank outside St Andrew's Cathedral in the Nethergate.
The move has already attracted a great deal of concern, including from Bishop Vincent Logan, who is worried those queuing for a cab will damage the building and litter the area.
However, Mr Stephen rubbished these claims, saying late-night revellers already surge on to the street come closing time.
"If that is his only problem, then he has not got a problem," he said. "We need more new taxi ranks, and of course we think this plan is a good thing.
"I just think those who are against it are doing so because they don't want to see people get on.
"There have been stories about the problem of taxis parking on double yellow lines in the past so where do people want taxis to sit if they are against ranks?"
The controversial issue of where taxi ranks are located in the city has been a long-standing one.
Dundee West MP Jim McGovern also commented on the latest plans, which have now been put out for consultation by Dundee City Council.
If given the all-clear, the new taxi rank will operate from 11pm-6am outside the historic grade one-listed building.
"I have been contacted by Bishop Logan and a number of his parishioners who are greatly concerned about the plans for this taxi rank," said Mr McGovern. "They are concerned that the potential for litter, traffic congestion and problems accessing the cathedral will increase if this plan is given the go-ahead." "My office has sought assurances from the council, who have confirmed that the taxi rank will only operate between 11pm to 6am. This will mean services will have ended when the taxi rank opens.
"However, there are still a number of concerns that the council should take into account before making a final decision."
The MP said he was aware of an "unofficial taxi rank" operating in the area for some time, which has had consequences for the cathedral.
"I hope the council take into account the problems this has caused when reviewing making this site official," he continued. "The cathedral has recently invested large sums to improve disabled access to the site, and the potential for litter and other mess caused by late-night use of the site should be seriously considered by the council.
"It would understandably be distressing for parishioners and members of the public to see such mess at this site the morning after. There is also an increased risk of vandalism of this important and historic building."
He added, "I have asked the bishop and his parishioners to put in formal objections to the consultation process before it closes on Friday. We all want to see Dundee's cultural quarter go from strength to strength, and many fear these plans will harm that.
"I believe — and I think many taxi drivers would agree — that there must be a better site to locate a taxi rank in the area."
West End councillor Richard McCready called on anyone with concerns to make them known to the council.
"I have been approached by a number of constituents who have raised concerns about the possible impact of an official taxi rank outside the cathedral and DCA," he said.
"There are also concerns about whether such an action would set a precedent that would allow for a proposal for a daytime taxi rank to operate at some point in the future."
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Dundee ... edral.html
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