A PETITION to reinstate two recently closed-down taxi ranks has been launched to the borough council.

Drivers and customers have both written to the town's main authority expressing deep concern after taxi ranks in Garrard Street and Horseshoe rank, near the station, were closed down.

Reading Borough Council instead built a new taxi rank just further along from the station's southern entrance, near Station Hill.

Drivers used to be able to queue along Garrard Street before driving up to the station's entrance before collecting customers and driving to their various destinations.

However, the rules changed at the end of February.

A report reads: "We the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now, to change back to a convenient taxi rank like before."

The petition cites concerns about cost, having to walk down steps to get to the new rank, lack of signage and increased congestion.

It will be discussed a council meeting on April 4.

Tony Page, Reading’s lead councillor for transport, said previously: “The next stage of the works at Thames Tower will mean a temporary change in routine for people who regularly use bus stops immediately outside the building.

"The route to and from Reading Station and along Station Road is one of the busiest in the town and it means a temporary suspension of bus stops is needed to create a pedestrian path.

“The Garrard Street ranks were always a temporary arrangement put in place to aid the taxi trade while the Council built the new interchanges and taxi ranks on the north and south side of the station.

"The new interchanges have been successfully operating for more than two years now and the on-going work at Thames Tower will now mean the permanent closure of the temporary Garrard Street feeder ranks.

“Improved signage has been put in place and I would urge people who regularly catch black cabs from the station to take a short walk down the steps, or use the ramp, to access the new taxi rank."