A relocated taxi rank is set to be moved AGAIN after complaints from businesses.
The former Hackney cab rank on Holme Street in Acccrington was moved to outside shops on Church Street last month as part of the development of the new £6.4m bus station.
The decision was criticised by traders who claimed it would make it more difficult for disabled customers to visit their shops after the previous disabled parking bays were moved.
Hyndburn councillor Gareth Molineux said they have now reached a ‘compromise’ after further discussions with shop owners.
Under the new scheme, the road markings on Church Street will be ‘flipped’ during the day-time so disabled people with blue badges can park outside the shops.
The new taxi rank will be moved further along the street, between the Wetherspoons pub and the Victorian Arcade.
Coun Molineux said it is a ‘win for everybody’.
He told the Observer: “We have listened to what the shop owners’ issues were. They were predominantly around narrow footpaths, road markings and health and safety because of the fumes going into their shops.
“After speaking to them on Friday I put forward a proposal which they are in agreement with. It’s a compromise on all parts.”
Dwayne Lowe, Lancashire County Council highways manager for Hyndburn, said they ‘support putting these changes in place’ and will now consult the Accrington Town Team ‘before deciding whether to take them forward’.
He said: “The proposal is to move the daytime taxi rank adjacent to the zebra crossing, move the evening taxi rank and daytime no waiting restrictions towards the Cannon Street end of Church Street and introduce a 10-metre loading bay in the middle, which would allow those businesses to take deliveries more easily and prevent them being affected by fumes from waiting taxis.
“While there are specific disabled parking bays elsewhere, Church Street is also popular with blue badge holders and this would allow them to park closer to the businesses on Church Street, as they did before.”
Sarah Brankin, co-owner of Church Street News and Food, said she welcomed the changes.
She said: “It will make it easier for customers. Fingers crossed they can do that and everybody will be happy.”
