PLANS to build barriers round a taxi rank have prompted a row over disabled access.

Barriers around the rank in Stockton High Street are to be completed in the next few days.

However, concerns that the new measures will restrict access for the disabled has led to complaints from a local taxi driver.

Dave Curry, who has a specially-adapted hackney cab, said the barriers would make it more difficult for him to reach his disabled customers.

But council officials maintain the changes, which have been introduced to improve safety at the rank, would not adversely affect disabled access.

Mr Curry, and local MP Dari Taylor, met officials to discuss the concerns.

The Stockton South MP said: "It is an absolute priority that disabled people have the same access to services as everyone else.

"In this case, my constituent is concerned that the changes to the rank may leave disabled people waiting a disproportionate amount of time for taxis."

There are currently about 360 hackney cabs that use the rank, which can accommodate 24 taxis at a time.

However, Mr Curry's taxi is one of only two on the rank which has been adapted for use by disabled passengers.

After the meeting, it was decided that an existing taxi stop near to the rank should be made available to disabled taxi users.

Ms Taylor said: "We will see if this works and assess the situation again in a month's time.

"My concern is with disabled access but also that my constituent is able to make his living successfully."

The barriers are being put up to stop late-night revellers from hailing taxis in the middle of the road, creating safety concerns.

Dave Kitching, Stockton Council's trading standards and licensing manager, said: "We've consulted heavily with taxi drivers, all of whom have said that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.

"It was necessary for us to do something in these circumstances but of course we do not want to restrict access for disabled people or affect anyone's livelihood."