New taxi office 'will improve town safety' (From Warrington Guardian)

New taxi office 'will improve town safety'

ABBA Cars can open a booking office on Bridge Street after police gave their backing to a scheme that should improve the safety of the town centre.

But the Warrington Taxi Drivers Association objected to the plan saying it was too close to the existing hackney rank and would cause traffic chaos with taxis being forced to pick-up from the middle of the street.

Members of the borough council's development control committee heard that the new office, to be situated on Bridge Street, will help to transport people home safely in the evening.

A letter from Cheshire police, supporting the application, said the office would help to create a 'better and safer town centre'.

And a spokesman for Abba confirmed to councillors that the company was committed to the office in the long term and would maintain and protect the safety of users.

Owner Phil Bailey said the use of 'marshals' at the office would lead to greater safety for passengers following a successful trial.

He added: "We weren't sure but having begun it, I can well see the benefits of it."

Councillors backed the plans by six votes to one.