A COUNCILLOR has called for tough regulation of a proposed taxi rank in a busy Darlington town centre street.

Plans have been submitted by the borough council to introduce a rank on Grange Road, outside the Imperial Centre, where there are currently several disabled parking bays.

It is one of several planned ranks in the town which would create a total of 38 extra spaces, as part of the £6.5m Pedestrian Heart scheme.

The proposals are open to public feedback and discussion, and at a full meeting of the council on Thursday night, the plans received a welcome response.

However, Councillor Jim Ruck said the scheme should not be at the expense of disabled drivers.

"This proposal is both positive and negative," he said.

"A lot depends on how well it is monitored and enforced. And also, on the impact it has on the demand for disabled parking, which is a priority in town."

Councillor Nick Wallis, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, assured him that both were strong considerations when the proposals were formulated.

"A powerful case has been made for more ranks, both in terms of the number of Hackney carriages we have in Darlington, so we hope to set up ranks to make them convenient," he said.

"Disabled drivers have been consulted and are aware of our proposals, as part of the Pedestrian Heart scheme."

He added that enforcement of the taxi rank being used only for taxis was a matter for the police.