A taxi driver in Salisbury says the resurfacing of Castle Street is “absolutely ridiculous" after taxi markings have been re-marked incorrectly.

Giles Harries, 59, has worked for an independent taxi company that uses the taxi rank on Castle Street for the last 19 years.

The road has been resurfaced, and three spaces in the taxi rank have been removed and replaced with double yellow lines.

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Giles told the Journal how the taxi rank, just steps away from Tesco, is an essential pick-up point for those doing their shopping, rather than the larger taxi rank on New Canal.

Salisbury Journal: Giles Harries, an independent taxi driver

He said: “When you become a taxi driver, you think it will all be taking people to and from the pub. But it’s not that, it’s the elderly, school children, the disabled, tourists who don’t know where they’re going.”

“I have this feeling as a taxi driver – as after 19 years, it becomes very clear that we really aren’t made to feel important, we aren’t made to feel like we’re providing a good – or even adequate – service.”

A frequent taxi user, Kay Rudland, added: “We don’t need taxis in bigger places, we need them outside supermarkets, and I need a taxi because buses don’t run later for me.

"There's usually around five taxis there at a time. Two cars is a big difference”

The added double yellow lines mean that no more than two taxis will legally be able to park there at one time.

Salisbury Journal: The road on Castle Street has been resurfaced but the taxi rank has been placed incorrectly

Another Salisbury taxi driver, Vlan, said: “You’ve got to drive around to find a space because you can’t stop.”

Giles and Vlan both believed the removal of the taxi space was a mistake.

Giles added: “If it is a mistake, it would be nice if the traffic wardens came along and say we’re allowed to park there. We have a good taxi community, but I think we are all being let down – and I don’t sense any kind of accountability.

“What it makes me feel is that no one is by your side.”

Salisbury Journal: Only two cars can now fit in the space

The Council has since confirmed that the removal of taxi space was unintentional. In a statement, Cllr Richard Clewer said: “Castle Street has been resurfaced this week and it appears that the taxi rank markings have not been put back correctly.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and have asked our contractors to return and correct this as soon as possible.”