IN reply to the excellent letter by A P Cox of Holgate about cabs in York Station (November 16), I am a hackney driver of ten years and in that time I have come to learn the sad truth of our status and value amongst the authorities.

The reason we are not even consulted on basic proposals, such as the removal or refurbishment of our ranks, is because in their eyes our trade is not taken seriously.

We are something akin to a football, just there to be kicked from pillar to post.

I have lost count of the times I have turned up to work on a rank, only to find it closed down for a private function, with no notice given.

How would the planners like it if they turned up for work one day, only to be told to go home with no wages? Not very fair, is it?

It is somebody's responsibility to provide adequate space for us to ply our trade. We are not creating a problem, we are trying to earn a living by providing safe public transport. Exactly what the council says York needs most.

P McPhall,

Carey Street,

Fulford, York.

Updated: 12:03 Monday, November 22, 2004