By Elaine King A HUGE protest banner was unfurled above the Wisbech Horsefair taxi rank yesterday as taxi drivers launched their second mass protest in an attempt to keep their rank on the site. Around 40 drivers – many carrying placards – crowded on to

By Elaine King

A HUGE protest banner was unfurled above the Wisbech Horsefair taxi rank yesterday as taxi drivers launched their second mass protest in an attempt to keep their rank on the site.

Around 40 drivers - many carrying placards - crowded on to the rank but, unlike their first protest last year, did not bring their vehicles on to the Horsefair.

Dave Patrick, chairman of Wisbech and District Hackney Carriage Drivers Association, said: "We are carrying out this protest on foot being mindful of the operation of buses and in order to cause the minimum of disturbance to traffic movement on the Horsefair.

"While we appreciate this means that only a handful of taxis may be operating during this process, most members of the taxi using public fully support the taxis in their fight to stay on the Horsefair."

Mr Patrick and the taxi drivers hope their protest will lead to an overturning of a decision by Fenland District Council's licensing committee on March 5, which called for all taxis to be removed from the Horsefair.

Mr Patrick added: "Fenland district councillors, we urge you to listen to the people who have selected you at the ballot box and allow them their wishes.

"You are their elected representatives and the people have spoken."

SIGNATURES on a petition were collected from the public during the rally. Diane Balci was one of the taxi users who came out to support the protest.

"I use taxis two or three times a week for shopping and going to work," she said. "It is much easier for the public if taxis stay on the Horsefair."

Disabled Margaret Stanley, who has used taxis for 14 years, said: "It would be beneficial for me if taxis stay on the Horsefair. I use them two or three times a day."

Mr Patrick believes more than 50 per cent of his association members turned out for the protest.

"Some did not attend for fear of recriminations from the council," he added.