The installation of a large crossing island on Queen's Road has meant a "rarely used" taxi rank has been moved, replacing some of the parking bays in the middle of the road.

But now retailers are petitioning for the removal of the rank and the return of spaces for cars.

Melanie Thompson of Ash Hairdressing on Queens Road has seen the effect of the new road layout first hand.

She said: "It's affected all the customer parking. There's never a taxi here - you've got more chance of seeing Elvis than a taxi!
"It's hurting a thriving community. The clients are going mental, turning up late because they have to drive around and around."
Support from visiting customers and local residents has been flooding in, with petitions in three village shops attracting a large amount of signatures.

Owner of Roscoe's Newsagent on Queens Road, Brian David, hopes that action will be taken by the Council to improve the current situation.

"We estimate we have lost about eight or nine spaces because of this and the dropped curbs," said Mr David. "We would like the taxi rank to be moved further down Queen's Road by the park. It's rarely used!
"I have got customers who have been coming in for years who order magazines, who are fed up with driving around looking for a space.
"So far I have got 93 signatures and now people are even asking to sign it."

The new road alterations have also reduced the width of the parking space in the centre of Queen's Road, adding to the reduced parking.

Conwy County Borough Councillor for Craig Y Don, Janet Finch-Saunders said, "For over 30 years that I can remember, there has never been a problem with the cars parked alongside each other. Suddenly without warning they have painted white lines, and technically this will need to be enforced. I am at a loss as to why they came and painted the lines, whilst also re-painting the taxi ranks for a second time despite earlier requests for the rank usage to be evaluated".

It is hoped that the petition will be presented to the Council within the next two weeks.

The Council was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print