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Friday, 3rd September 2010

'Magnet for crime' fears over St John's

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Published Date:
15 March 2010
FEARS have been raised that St John's square could become a crime hotspot when buses and taxis are banned.
The resort's taxi drivers believe people's safety could be under threat because of alack of vehicle presence.

Bill Lewtas, of Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators' Association, said: "The council says it is closing St John's to traffic on health and safety grounds but the area could become a magnet for anti- social behaviour.

"The presence of taxis deters crime.

"If the businesses in the area can't make a living and they close, it could be populated with down and outs, beggars and thieves. You don't want that in a £4.7m masterpiece.

"The council will be saddled with an expensive white elephant in the form of St John's Square, which will become a dangerous place late at night."

And Dean James, a Hackney cab driver, added: "It's a big area, it's very barren. There need to be taxis there.

"If people have a problem or feel intimidated, they need to know they can just jump in a taxi or on a bus."

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE MONDAY'S GAZETTE.

Streets of Change supplement only in Monday's Gazette

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  • Last Updated: 15 March 2010 8:18 AM
  • Source: Blackpool Gazette
  • Location: Blackpool
 
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steveib,

blackpool 15/03/2010 08:44:05
ive heard it all now!
these cabbies are now saying that without them crime will increase and the shops will close with the area being a place for anti social behaviour!
What planet is he on?
it has nothing to do with his arguement more to do with the fact that he wont get any rides from that area!
and to quote the presence of taxi deters crime!
with that kinda inadequate and way out arguement he should stand for the Joan humble's seat- he would make a good MP by sounds of it
ive never heard anything so stupid and out of touch in ages
people can jump into a cab or on a bus if theres a problem or they feel intimidated- yer right ya got to find one first!
2

market trader,

blackpool 15/03/2010 08:51:15
what absolute claptrap these cab drivers talk,its actually quite a small area being totally ruined by these very people in the article whose only concern is the loss of a taxi rank and a shortcut,to hear them talk you would think that after the square is closed we would have to walk miles to get a cab when in reality its about 50yards so come on blackpool council get the square closed and jetwashed because in the few months that taxis and busses have been using the road it is filthy with exhaust emissions and oil please dont give in to a handful of selfish cabbies.
3

Newbie in Blackpool,

London 15/03/2010 09:04:49
seeing as I can't move as fast as a lot of people, I'm glad they're banning buses and taxi's. It would be nice to have a traffic free area. The speed some buses wizz through anyway, can only be a matter of time before someone is knocked down
4

ZimFlyer,

15/03/2010 09:04:54
Is it a plane, is it a bird, no it's a taxi driver, come to fight crime where ever it raises it's ugly head.
5

Raging_Bull,

Blackpool 15/03/2010 09:23:11
I've never heard so much tosh in all my life.

Taxis spewing exhaust fumes and spilling oil on expensive paving?

Get a grip lads, lets see how incorrect these ludicrous claims are when the square opens up.
6

eric,

bpool 15/03/2010 09:25:54
Ive heard it all now .i know its desperate times for all,But playing on the publics fears of crime to make a quick buck .yea right mr nicey nicey goody 2 shoes taxi driver,
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SecretMojoMan,

Blackpool 15/03/2010 09:32:28
Now now, come on people, they only want a 'fare' deal.

I'll get my coat...
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911 Kirky,

Carleton 15/03/2010 09:36:31
Monday no news day again......? It's been a while since I saw a taxi with a blue flashing light on it!

'Taxi's deter crime' excuse me, I've got to go and get stiches - split my sides laughing......

Nice try lads - good bit of spin on 'we are going to lose business - lets think up a novel way of getting the ban overturned' absolute classic this one.....
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t-bar,

15/03/2010 09:38:11
Can the taxi driver prove his point at all? Has he considered that maybe the council have done their reaserch alreday. There are many towns and cities that have pedestrian areas (Manchester, York, Chester to name a few), I am sure that had the crime rate increased just because of a lack of taxi drivers they would have done something about it. His problem is he will have to drive a few hundred yards further down the road to sit and chat with his mates.
10

911 Kirky,

Carleton 15/03/2010 09:38:25
Plenty of 'mileage' in this story......

erm - Taxi
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