Taxi drivers have complained of not being consulted properly over a rank closure put in place because of railway engineering works in a Kent town.

Track repair works inside the Grove Hill tunnel at Tunbridge Wells station mean a replacement bus service is being operated until 27 August.

A rear access road is closed to allow the buses to turn, but cabbies claim that could affect their trade.

Southeastern Railway said it had been in contact with taxi drivers.

Spokeswoman Sarah Boundy said: "We've tried to be good neighbours. We've given letters and the local station manager has spoken directly to the people running the taxis."

There is a rank at the front of the station, but driver Dave Fogel said most train passengers would use the rear exit.

He said an agreement had been reached that could see cabbies getting access to the closed rank at certain off-peak times.

But Mr Fogel claimed that before this, Network Rail and Southeastern management had "not approached us to suggest alternative places that would minimise the impact this might have".

"We've found out through rumours and the railway staff themselves," he claimed.

"We're going to monitor how the situation goes."

But Ms Boundy argued that passenger comfort was a more important issue.

"It's about trying to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible knowing that they're inconvenienced already."

She added that there would be clear station signage towards the unaffected taxi rank.

The engineering work is on part of the London to Hastings mainline route.

The replacement bus service is between Tunbridge Wells and Wadhurst, and also between Paddock Wood and Robertsbridge at peak times.

Passengers' train tickets are also valid for alternative Southern Railway services.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6932009.stm