TAXI drivers say they are infuriated by electricity works which cut their rank to just a couple of spaces.

They say so far Hillingdon Council has failed to provide temporary provision for them as promised.

Work started on Monday last week in Uxbridge High Street, outside the Market House, where the black cab drivers have enjoyed a new rank with more spaces than previously since 2009.

Hillingdon Council has now agreed to provide a temporary taxi rank, but not until Friday. It is the latest row relating to the electricity works in Uxbridge High Street, which are continuing throughout this month.

Last week the Gazette reported how traders in The Arcade were angry about disruption to deliveries.

The rank has space for seven vehicles, but on Monday last week it was reduced to just two to facilitate Southern Electric’s work.

Gary Wilding, a cab driver who works in Uxbridge and lives in West Drayton, said: “We need a feeder rank at the top of Windsor Street. It was supposed to be ready for the same time as the works started. Instead we have been left in limbo.

“We have been parking up in Windsor Street anyway, but we keep getting moved on by traffic wardens who say they will give us tickets if we don’t move. There is nowhere for us to go. All the cabbies are up in arms about it, it’s beyond our control. There has been no leeway from the traffic wardens towards us. Getting the feeder rank on the 11th is too long for us to wait.”

Frank Harris, chairman of the Windsor Street Traders’ Association, and a former cab driver, said: “It’s a joke. These guys are just trying to earn a living, and they are being pushed from pillar to post. I feel quite sorry for them. They keep getting moved on from outside the shops here by traffic wardens. They need the temporary taxi rank now, not on the 11th.”

Hillingdon Council’s Jean Palmer, director of planning, did not explain the reason for the delay, but said: “Essential electric works are being carried out by Scottish and Southern Electric on Uxbridge High Street.

“Due to the roadworks being extended, a temporary taxi rank will be set up in Windsor Street on November 11. We are minimising any disruption caused to residents and businesses in Uxbridge, and the work will be completed according to schedule.”