CONTRACTORS are digging up the new taxi turning circle next to Blackburn Railway station because it was installed too wide for drivers to turn their cabs with ease.

The new rank, part of the Cathedral Quarter development, was completed just before Christmas but cabbies complained their vehicle wheels were catching on the raised surface in the middle. Now the digger and work men are back tracking for a few weeks to correct the mistake.

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Tory regeneration spokesman Colin Rigby described the errors by contractors Eric Wright Construction as “nonsense” and Blackburn chamber of Trade President Tony Duckworth branded it “an unfortunate disaster”.

Taxi drivers complained to Blackburn with Darwen Councils Cathedral Quarter manager Clare Turner, that the island was too big and she contacted Eric Wright who agreed it was bigger than the drawings they should have worked to and agreed to remedy the mistake at their own cost.

Mrs Turner said: “It was found that the taxi rank was slightly too narrow to accommodate two passing vehicles.

“The island is being modified and reduced in size. This work is, at the cost of the contractor, Eric Wright and will return to improved operation in two weeks time. The contractors are working with the taxi drivers to agree modifications and ensure the rank is available throughout the works.”

A spokeswoman for Eric Wright Construction said: “By working in partnership with the taxi drivers, we’ve ensured all modifications meet their needs and are delivered in a timely manner with as little disruption as possible.”

Cllr Rigby said: “This is nonsense. How could they make this error?“Are they not working to the drawings properly.”

Mr Duckworth said: “This is an unfortunate disaster. I hope it does not disrupt traffic and pedestrians on Railway Road too much.“Traders have really suffered from all the construction works, and they don’t need more.”

Mohammed Younis, chairman of the Blackburn with Darwen Hackney Carriage Association said: “It was unfortunate but they are putting it right now. We raised the issue with the council and they listened to us and acted promptly.”