Taxi Driver Online

Threat to future of old taxi rank


The Talbot Square rank is known as The Fountain in recognition of its long history

CAB drivers fear it could be the end of the road for one of Blackpool's oldest taxi ranks.
The Talbot Square rank is known as The Fountain in recognition of its long history.

But it is being closed in January to enable the second phase of Promenade drainage work to take place and taxi drivers have had no reassurances about whether it will re-open.

The rank, which runs alongside the central pedestrian island in the square, was named after a drinking fountain and shelter which was unveiled there in 1870 and removed in the 1920s.

Reinstated

Bill Lewtas, of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi Association, said: "We know this work has to be done, but we would like to see the taxi rank reinstated afterwards.

"It is known as the Fountain rank and has been a taxi rank for more than 100 years so it is very historic.

"Talbot Square is a conservation area so we are saying they should conserve this rank.

"It is also right in the heart of a busy area where, for example, places like The Clifton Hotel and Yates are being revamped so we need taxis in that area."

The council says it is trying to improve taxi provision in the town centre.

Coun Maxine Callow, cabinet member for regeneration and tourism, said: "I can assure taxi drivers that no decisions will be made about the future of this rank without their input.

"In fact, council officers are meeting with the taxi operators to discuss how the provision for taxis can be improved across the town.

"While the rank is closed we will have an opportunity to see what, if any, alterations can be made to improve the safety and traffic flow of taxis using Talbot Square."

During the drainage work, the same number of taxi spaces, namely 25, will be available in the town centre, with extra provision created elsewhere including at the Counting House rank which is also on Talbot Square.

Barry Shaw, historian and president of Blackpool Civic Trust, said: "It's a historic rank and its name suggests that it dates back a long time to when the fountain was there."

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