Red tape threatening town's jobs, says Crowborough taxi bossJOB seekers are missing out on work in Crowborough because of crippling council red tape, according to a town businessman.
Taxi firm owner Donald Richards claims checks carried out by Wealden and Rother district councils for new drivers take so long it is almost impossible to fill jobs.
The Ashdown Cars boss criticised delays of more than three months which he feared could cripple his business.
He said: "I have got a business here that is offering jobs but I can't fill them.
"I need another four to six drivers, but the process of getting them licensed now takes eight weeks longer than it used to."
His frustrations have followed a deal between both councils to share the administration of taxi licensing services.
Previously, new drivers in the area were only authorised by Wealden.
Mr Richards added: "I'm struggling to get anyone and if I lose a driver I can't replace them.
"We have got people ringing up and complaining they cannot ever get a taxi."
Richard Parker Harding, head of environmental health for both councils, put the blame elsewhere.
He said: "The paperwork has to be submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea.
"Unfortunately we have been experiencing delays of eight to nine weeks for the return of completed submissions, and we are investigating the possibility of using private agencies who offer a dedicated service to speed up DVLA applications."
Mr Richards remained sceptical a solution would be found to the delays and said it was damaging his Pleasant View Road business, as customers unable to book cars would stop using it.
He also complained licence fees had been hiked up since services were shared, with spiralling costs creating another barrier for new drivers.
He fumed: "If you got made redundant from a job, could you wait three to four months for your new one to start?"
"I can get a job in a nursing home quicker than I can get a taxi licence.
"This threatens the future of my business and with today's job problems surely the authorities should be doing more."
Fears over Crowborough jobs are nothing new. Traders have expressed growing discontent over development restrictions imposed to protect the Ashdown Forest, which they say is stopping growth and deterring new businesses from setting up in the area.
Chamber of Commerce chairman Jeremy Woolger said: "We have written to MPs including Eric Pickles and Charles Hendry requesting discussions about our concerns."
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http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/Red-tape- ... z2OG2ITmHW
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