Stephen Metcalfe MP meets Basildon taxi drivers to discuss future of Trafford Bowl

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has met with members of the Basildon Taxi Drivers' Association to discuss the future of the town's "Trafford Bowl" car park.

Stephen Metcalfe MP (left) with Ralph Morgan (centre)
and Mark Waller from Basildon Taxi Drivers' Association.

The car park was threatened with closure following the discovery that South Essex Parking Partnership had been charging people to park there without permission. It has now been temporarily re-opened while its future is discussed by owners the Homes and Communities Agency.

Mr Metcalfe said: "It was good to meet with local taxi drivers and listen to their concerns about the future of the Trafford Bowl car park.

"The bowl is an important site for commuters accessing Basildon and our train station. It is clear that they could lose out if nothing is done to protect the facility of a designated taxi rank.

"I have written to the Homes and Communities Agency to make sure that these concerns are heard and that commuters are kept in mind throughout the decision-making process."