TAXI drivers are threatening a blockade in the seaside town of Clacton after claiming they lost business due to a town centre revamp.

Tendring Taxi Drivers' Association is angry that cars have been banned from Pier Avenue between 10am and 4pm following a £3million scheme to upgrade the town centre.

They are now considering either a blockade or a go-slow to try and generate publicity and highlight the problem.

Dave Collins, a partner in Phoenix taxis in Clacton, said customers, particularly the elderly, did not want to be dropped off half a mile away from the centre so had stopped visiting altogether.

He said yesterday: “A lot of our customers are elderly people who want us to stop outside Woolworths, Marks and Spencer or Boots.

“Some of them are disabled and can't walk very well and they don't want to be dropped off half a mile away and struggle to get to the shops.

“People are not going into Clacton and it is not just our trade that is being affected, it is the shops in Clacton itself as well.

“It is only going to get worse.”

A meeting is due to be held between Tendring District Council and Essex County Council in Colchester on Friday to discuss the issue and try to reach an agreement.

Norman Hume, Cabinet member for highways and transportation at Essex County Council, said “We have been working closely with Tendring District Council and the Tendring Taxi Drivers' Association to find an amicable solution, and will continue to help in anyway we can.

“We are committed to listening to the views of local communities when making decisions on our roads, and in this case we will continue to be directed by the wishes of those elected to represent the people of Clacton, namely Tendring District Council.

“We have, however, been able to help the taxi drivers by providing additional ranks as close to the restricted area as possible.

“Taxis are also still able to pick up and drop off at either end of Pier Avenue, and the restriction only applies between 10am and 4pm.

“The reduced levels of traffic in Pier Avenue will contribute to a more pedestrian friendly and safer environment during this period.”

Nigel Brown, Tendring District Council's communications manager, said it did not want to comment at this stage, before the meeting had taken place.

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