Taxi drivers who felt they were "being treated with contempt" as the regeneration of Chatham gets under way have reached an agreement which gives them more spaces.

The Brook access point in Chatham is now expected to re-open for taxis allowing up to 30 extra parking spaces and alleviating congestion around Military Road.

The announcement follows the first-ever meeting between regeneration officials and the taxi trade, inspired by Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw, after complaints from taxi drivers that they were being ignored.

Ian Walton, vice-chairman of the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (MLTDA) said:

“This is the first time anyone has wanted to listen to us. For too long the taxi drivers have been ignored as an insignificant voice in Medway.

" The proposals outlined appear to be workable and we will liaise with regeneration officials to work in the best interest of all taxi drivers in Medway.

“The regeneration of Chatham is important to everyone and vital to our livelihoods.”

Mr Shaw said:"“Taxi drivers are important to the local transport network and they felt they were being treated with contempt and were having changes enforced on their business without the appropriate levels of consultation.

“I understand that the meeting was productive and the taxi drivers were very impressed with the plans put before them. With over 500 drivers in the Medway Townsno one knows the local roads and streets more than the taxi drivers”