A SHORTAGE of taxi ranks in Clitheroe has forced councillors to agree to grant just one new hackney carriage licence each year.

Ribble Valley Council's policy and finance committee this week decided to restrict the number of licences, which currently stands at 49.

The town has only one permanent rank, in King Lane.

But two temporary taxi ranks operate in the evenings in front of the Swan and Royal pub, and Cowgills newsagent, both in Market Pace.

In a report to councillors, Paul Timson, the council's director of legal services, said that Ribble Valley, in common with most authorities in Lancashire, restricted the number of hackney carriage licences.

These are vehicles that can ply for hire in the street, or at taxi ranks, as opposed to private hire cabs which can be pre-booked.

Council bosses say they haven't received any complaints about a shortage of hackney carriages in the Ribble Valley.

But some shoppers said that extra taxi ranks would help.

Andrew Bee, 31, of Mearley Syke, Clitheroe, said he was surprised the town only had one taxi rank.

He said: "I think a town like Clitheroe needs more taxi ranks.

"It's bad it only has one, and I imagine it could be inconvenient if you're trying to find a taxi."

Graham Winder, 29, of Highfield Road, Clitheroe, said: "More taxis and more taxi ranks would be a good thing, but I can understand where the council are coming from because they can't allow more taxis if there's nowhere to put them."

The report stated: "Observations carried out by council staff do not support the view that there is a shortage of hackney carriages in the Ribble Valley.

"The most important factor when considering this issue is the shortage of taxi ranks, particularly in Clitheroe.

"Difficulties are already experienced with existing hackney carriages either driving round town, or parking illegally, because of a shortage of space at the existing rank.

"My recommendation would be to increase the number of licences very gradually so the effects can be carefully monitored."