Angry taxi drivers fear they are losing fares at Ashford train station after the council moved them into a new waiting area in the Stour Centre car park.

Cabbies can no longer park outside International House as transport bosses feared the area was becoming too congested.

They now have to wait in the Stour Centre car park and watch a CCTV screen showing them when the rank outside the station is free.

Brookfield resident Sue Whybrow, who represents her fellow Hackney cab drivers in the town, says cabbies are not happy with the new parking, which started on Monday.

She said: “We are angry about it as we think we are too far away from the station.

“People are going to come out of the station wanting a taxi but will not know where we are.

“Drivers watch the CCTV and move over from the Stour Centre when the rank outside the station is free, but it doesn’t seem fair or reasonable.”

Mrs Whybrow, 59, claims Ashford Borough Council (ABC) failed to properly consult drivers.

She added: “ABC will say they did consult us, but they didn’t.

“They gave us an ultimatum saying this is what we are doing – they were not willing to hear other options and wanted us out of the station.

“It is not a good idea and they have not thought it through.”

Council bosses are to introduce a new zebra crossing between the station and International House to create a safer route to the town centre and college for pedestrians.

They say moving the taxi drivers has reduced congestion and improved the traffic flow around the station.

Cllr Brad Bradford, council portfolio holder for health, parking and community safety, said: “These vital works will improve the appearance, safety, accessibility and free flow of traffic around the station for everyone.

“We hope that relocating the queue of taxis away from the forecourt will reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic.

“The dedicated crossing will offer a safe route for those on foot to go on their way from the station to the town centre and beyond.”