By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 12:17, Friday, 25 January 2013

The relocation of Workington’s taxi rank could be influenced by a three-week road closure.

Members of Allerdale council’s licensing panel have been looking for an alternative to the current Washington Street night-time rank for the past six months, but have so far failed to make a decision.

When plans were revealed last July four options were put forward – Jane Street, Murray Road, Udale Street car park and Risman Place.

Traders at the town’s Washington Square Shopping Centre were in uproar over the possibility of the rank running through the centre of the pedestrianised centre, which led to the Risman Place location being thrown out.

This left three options, but last month councillors still failed to reach a decision and decided they would visit the remaining sites.

This took place in November and a further option was also put forward to use the Ladies Walk car park as an overflow to the Washington Street rank.

Members of the panel will now meet on Wednesday to make a final decision, with the rank possibly moving almost immediately.

Due to the current Washington Street rank earmarked for closure in two weeks’ time for vital sewer works, a “pilot” of the proposed site could begin before that date.

Gillian Collinson, Allerdale’s senior land charges and licensing officer, said that essential sewer works will be carried out on the lay-by – operating as the rank – and the lane next to it, from February 8.

She added: “It is uncertain at this stage whether the rank will reopen at any time within those weeks.

“It is proposed therefore that this is an ideal opportunity for a pilot scheme for whatever decision is made and that provision should be made for the trade due to the temporary closure.”

First published at 11:39, Friday, 25 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk