As we have previously reported one of the first decisions of the Labour Council, when elected in 2011, was to extend the hours of operation of the Duncombe Place taxi rank.

It was a major error of judgement

Action had been taken by the previous Council to terminate the use of the rank at 10:00pm each evening in an attempt to discourage the anti social behaviour which centred on late night queues waiting for taxis.

An alternative taxi rank was provided in St Sampson’s Square (which still operates)

Now a Council review of the Duncombe Place decision reveals a catalogue of woes that have no place in a civilised society and certainly not in an area where there are several residential properties and a hotel.

Local residents and businesses have been asked for their comments regarding the operation of the taxi rank and the responses can be viewed here.

These highlight the strong level of feeling in the area over the antisocial behaviour taking place in Duncombe Place late at night. In summary the issues raised include:

• Rowdy behaviour

• Excrement on doorsteps

• Underwear left on lawns

• Very noisy in the evenings / early morning

• Shouting and laughing until after 3am

• Fighting

• Unable to open windows because of the noise

• Feeling intimidated / fear of crime

• Urination, defecating and vomiting in doorways, on walls, pavement grills, gardens and War memorial

• Setting a fire on a doorstep

• Litter

• Ringing doorbells in the early hours

• Attempted forced entry to property

The officials concerned are recommending that the 24/7 hours of the rank continue although there will be a minor relocation of the position of the rank and the waiting shelter – which is actually useful for people during periods of inclement weather – will be removed.

In the long term the paving and pedestrianisation of Duncombe Place will mean that the controversial taxi rank will have to be permanently relocated.

This can’t come soon enough for local residents.