I WRITE regarding an article I recently read in the ‘Newport Matters’ publication regarding Newport city centre redevelopment.

Firstly there are a few points I would like to explain concerning the redevelopment of the bus station regarding the effect it is going to have on members of the public and the taxi drivers on the site.

1. No toilets for the disabled or shoppers or elderly.

2. No consultation with taxi drivers as to where their rank is going to be.

3. How are elderly/disabled passengers who prefer using taxis rather than buses going to feel if no taxi rank is incorporated in the redevelopment?

4. Is the council trying to run a restricted practice with regards to the taxi trade? I feel they have a conflict of interest because they are taking away the public’s choice.

5. The public is not aware there are 720 taxi/private hire drivers in Newport that pay between £300 and £500/per year... do we not have the right to be contacted before decisions are made?

I feel that all decisions are being made without informing any of the shopkeepers/taxi drivers regarding this redevelopment and strongly feel that involving us would make this city better... we have a right to know!

Mr P Frederick On behalf of the Newport Hackney and Private Hire Association