TRADERS in King Street, Bacup, are objecting to plans for a taxi stand in the street.

Eight letters of objection from businesses in the street will be considered when the proposal is discussed by Rossendale Council's licensing committee on Wednesday.

At their meeting in August licensing councillors were told that King Street was central and appeared to be the most suitable, if not only, site available.

Colin Rhodes, of Rhodes and Co, accountants, has written to the council saying: "King Street is already an extremely busy street. Parking restrictions on Union Street and King Street are ignored, causing considerable congestion at the junction."

Jeanette Hargreaves of Cottage Flowers has made strong objections, also because of existing traffic congestion.

She said: "If there were a taxi rank on the street there would be even less room for my customers to park.

"As well as less parking I am concerned about people loitering around at night near my shop, especially drunks and vandals. I have already has windows smashed."

Concerns and objections are also made by Healds, Fairsigns Fabrics Ltd, Respite, Tony Quinn and Co, the Bacup and Stacksteads estates management board Info Shop and John Butterworth, property developer.