HUNDREDS of people have backed a bid to put the brakes on plans for a new taxi office in Johnstone.

Renfrewshire Cab Company has made an application to open the booking office in the town’s High Street.

Councillors will decide on the fate of the proposals tomorrow, at a meeting of Renfrewshire’s regulatory functions board.

However, a total of 663 objections have been submitted to the local authority, with Johnstone Community Council among those to voice concerns.

Drivers at Johnstone TOA and Alpha Taxis believe opening the office is an attempt to monopolise cab trade in the town.

One 36-year-old cabbie, who asked not to be named, told The Gazette: “We believe these plans are just an attempt to create a monopoly in Johnstone and to destroy two firms that have been in the town since the 1970s.

“The fact more than 600 people have submitted objections shows the strength of feeling among people in the town. There are people here who are very loyal to us.

“As it stands, there’s nothing to stop someone who wants to use Renfrewshire Cab Company from doing so. They can just pick up the phone and call.

The Gazette: Johnstone Community Council secretary Iain McMillan (left, pictured with Cllr John Hood) admitted concerns over the office's proposed location Johnstone Community Council secretary Iain McMillan (left, pictured with Cllr John Hood) admitted concerns over the office's proposed location

“There’s no need for an office in Johnstone and I would say the site they’re looking at is in a bad spot. There have been several accidents there and you’ve got to wonder where all the extra cars are going to go.”

While not objecting to the plans entirely, the town’s community council has also raised concerns about the proposed location of the office.

Community council secretary Iain McMillan said: “We are not opposed to a local business which employs local people opening an office but we do have concerns about the location.

“It is bad enough at the moment and, while I don’t want to scaremonger, it is particularly bad for accidents.”

Tomorrow’s meeting will be held in the council chambers at Renfrewshire House, in Paisley, with the public excluded from attending.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “An application for a booking office licence will be considered by councillors at the upcoming regulatory functions board.”

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