RE: Swindon Council unrestricting the number of Hackney Carriages in Swindon.

Perhaps the council should be reminded that a short while ago the local Hackney carriage trade was forced to supply a survey, which the trade funded itself, the result being that there was no requirement for extra taxis.

In fact there is simply nowhere for taxis to go in town. At the most popular night spot in town where taxis are needed ie Fleet Street, where there is no rank, the council has asked the police to move on all taxis plying for hire. Is it in the public interest to be walking around looking for cabs? I don't think so.

I have been in the trade for 12 years and in Swindon all my life, and in reply to one comment the council made in your paper, that it's in the public interest to deregulate the trade, my answer is since when has Swindon Council ever taken the public interest into matters. Hackney carriage fares are being allowed to rise to disgusting levels. I get complaints all the time.

My advice to anyone wanting to purchase a cab is to be very careful you're being drawn into a trade that will lead to bankruptcy. This unrestricting of cabs is going to be an embarrassment to the council yet again.

Does the council not realise this is going to affect people's livelihoods and do they not think by encouraging people to buy cabs they're putting their interests at risk? Do they have other interests in unrestricting cabs in Swindon maybe because they can't control the illegal flying by private hire cars but it's not because there is shortage of cabs.

James Waddell

Swindon