PLANS for two new taxi ranks have caused division in Holmfirth.

Kirklees Council is seeking to create a taxi rank at Victoria Square and another at Victoria Street.

But the plan has been opposed by local councillors – with one saying taxi drivers should “behave” themselves.

The Kirklees Licensing and Safety Committee will meet to discuss the application on Tuesday.

A report shows there is support for a taxi stand for two Hackney carriages at Victoria Square, Holmfirth, in the first lay-by adjacent to 15-17 Victoria Square.

It is proposed it will operate between 8pm and 2am.

Space for four Hackney carriages adjacent to 24-30 Victoria Street have also been submitted, with the same operating time as the Square’s rank.

The report shows correspondence from ward councillors.

Clr Nigel Patrick called for the proposal to be withdrawn as no prior consultation had taken place. Fellow Holme Valley South Tory councillor Clr Ken Sims agreed.

Clr Patrick wrote: “Yes we have a problem with taxis in Holmfirth and that is because they park anywhere and everywhere except where they are supposed to park.

“They are supposed to park at the bus station, outside the post office. It may suit them to park on Victoria Street, but it does not suit the residents and that is why we have repeatedly said no to parking on Victoria Street and Victoria Square. What we need is enforcement action.

“We are currently looking to revamp the bus station as part of the Transport Hub project and one of the things we are looking at is to extend the taxi parking at the bus station.”

Clr Patrick added: “It would help if the taxi fraternity behaved themselves. We are fed up with them breaking every rule in the book.”

Objections were also submitted by a resident and a member of Holme Valley Parish Council. West Yorkshire Police said they would monitor a trial period to see if it brings additional policing issues.

The report shows that Kirklees enforcement officers only work up until 10.30pm, but could monitor the taxi ranks if needed.

Three taxi drivers, JS Chatha, of Mount, Manjit Singh, of Birkby, and Kulwinder Singh, of Bradley, submitted an identical letter of support for the Holmfirth proposal.

It says: “As one of the Kirklees’ taxi drivers I, along with many others, are keen to provide an effective taxi service for the residents of and visitors to Holmfirth.

“At present this is severely hampered by the inadequate taxi rank in the centre of Holmfirth.

“This is not the best position and taxi drivers have been attacked at that location making it unattractive to drivers and passengers alike.”

It says a well-lit road like Victoria Street would be more suitable.

There is also a proposal for a taxi rank on John William Street in Huddersfield town centre which has not been objected to.

The John William Street rank would be for six Hackney carriages between the junction of Church Street and St Peter’s Street, operating between 11am and 4am. During the day it is used as a bus stop and the council proposes it as a taxi rank after the last bus.