A WISBECH councillor has described final proposals for improvements to Horsefair bus station and taxi rank as “complete and utter nonsense”.

Cllr Dave Patrick, a Lib Dem councillor and chairman of the local taxi drivers’ association, said he was angry that Fenland Council was still pressing ahead with the �50,000 scheme.

“They say the ‘stakeholder feedback was invaluable’ and yet as far as I am aware virtually everyone was against it,” he said.

“Taxi drivers don’t want it, the public doesn’t want it and Wisbech Town Council doesn’t want it. So who did: It’s complete and utter nonsense bordering on farcical?”

Cllr Patrick said a local government ombudsman report was due out and would criticise Fenland Council over their handling of consultations.

“Bearing mind how they have contrived and broken their constitution to get this through our response would be to ask if it should be going through at all,” he said.

“To be honest I believe the scheme which they say is meant to prevent accidents will actually cause them. The idea, for instance, of people now being forced to cross roads in the Horsefair to get a taxi is an unnecessary risk.”

Trevor Watson, head of assets and projects for Fenland Council, said there had been “a number of alterations and additions” to the original proposals.

He said a zebra crossing had been added, footpath widths had been improved, kerb lines extended, lighting enhanced, and there were now additional signs, line and pedestrian barriers.

“Tenders for the construction have been received and these are being assessed,” said Mr Watson.

Once work gets under way alternative and temporary arrangements will be needed for taxis, probably relocating he said them to existing ranks next to The Empire and off Canal Street.