Taxi Driver Online

Biddies and codgers? You can't call us that

A new advert calling elderly people 'biddies and codgers' has sparked controversy after 7,000 of them were posted through residents' letterboxes. The black flyer is a new discount offer from Area 24/7 Taxis Cabs and Minibuses based at High Street in Selsey.

But resident Maribel French, 66, has branded the advert 'disgusting'. "I will not leave it. I feel really, really strongly about it," said Mrs French. "Everybody I have spoken to has said it is disgusting. I will be going round knocking on doors and asking elderly people what they think. The advert has made me feel quite sick. "Who are they to call residents in Selsey over 60 'biddies and codgers'?"

However, one of the owners at Area 24/7, Michael Ellerton, said using such humour had been good for Selsey and the Manhood Peninsula, where the cards were delivered. "We gave out around 7,000 leaflets and out of all of them we have received only two complaints," he said.

"It's the talk of the village – they love it. They talk about it at bingo. We take them to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester and
encourage them to get out there and back into the community, and to enjoy their lives. It's all good fun."

Mr Ellerton said because more people had been using their services, local groups and businesses such as the Selsey Royal British Legion Club had been doing well off the back of it.

The 'Biddies and Codgers Discount Taxi Scheme' is aimed at elderly residents in the area who can travel between 9am and midnight for just under £3. Mrs French said she wants to start a petition against the use of language on the flyer.

A Chichester District Council spokeswoman said: "Ian Smith, of our licensing unit, has received a complaint from a lady in Selsey and he will be taking up the matter with the taxi company."

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IDFIMH

Will the publicity now lead to more complaints that wouldn't otherwise have been made?

Having said that, it's not my preferred style of marketing.

all publicity is good publicity, it will highlight the company in the press for minumum outlay. What a masterstroke! truely a win-win situation!

I'm thinking more in terms of the LO being forced to act due to the number of complaints.

I agree, so far, it's worked in his favour.

yep & even if the council get involved great even more publicity. Imagine the public outcry of it! Council Licensing Bully Boys Tick Off Good Samaritan Taxi Boss. He should end up in the house of Lords me thinks.