THE station car park at Yarm could soon be turned into a temporary taxi office and waiting room.

Stockton Borough Council is being recommended to grant 12 months' temporary planning permission for the office, at its meeting on Friday, despite objections from local residents.

The application is for the taxi office, in part of the car park, to be open 24 hours a day, but this has angered nearby residents.

People living opposite the station claim the taxi office is unnecessary because there are enough waiting rooms for passengers and a telephone is available to call a taxi.

They also expressed fears that the office would become a meeting place for people leaving the Tall Trees night club.

The plan has received the support of Castle Levington and Kirklevington Parish Council, who feel the office would mean workers could watch the car park, reducing the opportunity for vandalism.

A Railtrack spokesman said: "This proposal seems sensible and could meet local need, bearing in mind the station is a good way from the town centre."

The council is expected to agree to the opening of the office, with some restrictions on opening hours.