Ipswich taxi drivers mount final stand as council greenlights 'fundamentally essential' Lloyds Avenue revamp

Why it matters: The redevelopment aims to improve the town centre by creating a more vibrant gateway with increased pedestrianisation and greenery, though taxi drivers warn the reduction from 21 to 11 taxi spaces could impact disabled and elderly passengers who rely on the accessible service.

The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council's planning and development committee approved the plans on Wednesday, with funding drawn from the Towns Fund Deal. The project includes digital billboards, new bollards and partial pedestrianisation.

What they're saying: Mr Rogers, group operations manager of Three Wise Monkeys and chair of Ipswich Barwatch, welcomed the decision, saying: "This project will undoubtedly enhance and improve this area of the town centre in a positive way. From the perspective of a business operator on Lloyds Avenue itself, we feel that improvements like this are fundamentally essential for local businesses in Ipswich."

Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , added: "Enhancing the external space for business on Lloyds Avenue and improving its aesthetic is a strong step forwards in creating a town centre that works for what people want today. Lloyds Avenue is home to some truly brilliant business that can now flow out truly into town, I can't wait to be able to enjoy a drink outside at many of these venues."

The other side: Taxi drivers have said the plans discriminate against disabled people and will affect their trade. They have started a public petition and are exploring ways to block the plans by examining the scope of a traffic regulation order (TRO).

Disability campaigner Luke O'Brien has joined taxi drivers in their protests, highlighting concerns from Lloyds Avenue users about the changes. The campaigners argue the flat surface at Lloyds Avenue provides "easy accessibility for wheelchair users, vision impaired, walking aided and many other vulnerable groups."

For context: A TRO is issued by Suffolk Highways to inform the public about changes to roads and carries a 21-day consultation period.

Council's defence: Council leader Neil MacDonald described the redevelopment as a "significant step forward" in creating a "vibrant, accessible, and community-centred town centre." He defended the reduction in taxi spaces as being "firmly supported by data" from CCTV footage showing "current provision exceeds demand."

MacDonald also emphasised that "pedestrian accessibility remains a top priority" and that improvements were "designed in close consultation with disability advocates and local stakeholders." He noted alternative pickup areas including "Black Horse Lane, High Street, Museum Street, King Street, Tower Street, Tower Ramparts, Old Foundry Road."

Strong public backing: Following two public consultations at Ipswich Town Hall and online engagement, MacDonald reported that "the public was overwhelmingly in support of the proposals" with:

• 68% supporting increased pedestrianisation

• 74% supporting tree planting and greenery

• 69% believing it will positively impact local businesses

• 64% supporting increased café seating

• 51% saying they would likely spend more time in the town centre

What's next: The taxi alliance has launched a petition urging the council to "back off" and is encouraging football fans, elderly and disabled residents, and local businesses to join their campaign.

It has so far garnered 11 signatures at the time of publishing, but it's unclear how many of those are members of the Taxi Alliance.

The bottom line: With Suffolk Highways withdrawing its previous objections to the scheme, the taxi drivers' last hope may rest on the TRO consultation and their petition gaining significant public support. Otherwise, work to deliver the planned improvements will begin in due course.