At a chaotically chaired Licensing Committee last night, Liberal Democrat councillors attacked the council’s plans to introduce a taxi rank in Market Place.

Chris White, who leads for licensing for the Liberal Democrat group, said: ‘The papers contained a previously undiscussed proposal to direct taxis up Spencer Street in order to park up outside The Boot.

‘Market Place is essentially a pedestrian shopping area – and in fact should be fully pedestrianised, as it was until Labour councillors reintroduced traffic there a decade or so ago. Having taxis there completely undermines its current use – as well as ruining one of the more attractive entrances to the city centre. And residents in Spencer Street need more traffic like they need a hole in the head.

‘Officials admitted that no attempt had been made to consult with local district councillors – let alone with me as county councillor – but are pressing ahead anyway with investigating the possibilities of this ridiculous idea, despite the objections made by councillors last night.

‘This is not good enough and shows the shambles into which the council’s licensing policy is descending under the current chair of this committee.’