Clarence Road residents' fury at Council's decision to allow new taxi office

RESIDENTS of Clarence Road in Grays are furious that Thurrock Council have granted permission for a taxi office on the corner, fearing the cabs will disturb them at night and take their parking spaces.

Ten residents on the street wrote to the council to register their objections to the application which will see 33 Clarence Road changed from office space to a taxi booking office with waiting area.

In addition to their fears about noise and the strain on parking, the residents are annoyed because there is already a taxi office less than 500 yards away in Bedford Road, and there is also a taxi rank opposite their road next to the Job Centre.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Why is there the need for a further taxi business that is within less than 2 mile radius from Lakeside Taxis?

“My family and I do not want to hear loud music, cars banging, or telephones ringing loudly, and I do not want the outside ariel of a taxi business interfering with my own television signal.”

“There are already enough problems with congested traffic and a late night cafe around the back.”

Thurrock Council Spokesperson Andy Lever said: “Thurrock Council received a planning application for this site.

“There were letters of objection.

“Planning permission was granted, but with certain conditions which should ease local residents' concerns.

“For example, the waiting area can only operate between 8am and 8.30pm with parking being forbidden on the forecourt.

“Clarence Road has parking restrictions (resident parking permits) which should further reduce residents' highway and parking concerns.

“The property has room at the back for two vehicles to park off the alleyway.

“At present only one vehicle has a licence to operate from these premises.”