A BUSINESSMAN who wants to create a cab company in Marston has moved to reassure residents over its impact. Michael Tohill has applied for permission to use the former Marston Heating & Plumbing Supplies in Marston Road as a base for his business.

Residents have raised concerns the office will create parking problems and increase noise levels.

But Mr Tohill, of Fletcher Road, Cowley, said his three planned drivers will not be visiting the office.

He said: “I think the local residents think there will be 150 cars, but if they read the application carefully they would realise it is only a small operation.”

He said he found some taxi drivers “unhelpful” towards customers, such as not assisting them with luggage.

He said: “I’m fed up with the service we are getting at the moment in the city.

“I want to target local people, university students and people staying in hotels.”

But Marston Road resident Steven Bennent told the Oxford Mail: “People living nearby are fearful of noise and lewd behaviour late at night and parking issues, which is an ongoing problem for Marston.

“There is also a school just a hundred yards away and the locals are concerned about the rise in traffic.”

Letters sent to Oxford City Council, which will make a final decision, also raised parking and traffic fears.

Greg Kieran, of Marston Road, said: “Most houses on Edgeway Road do not have driveways meaning the residents rely on street parking.

“Introducing a new taxi rank to the area will impact this severely as waiting taxis will no doubt park in residents’ spaces while waiting for jobs.”

Ben Aldjia, of Marston Road, said: “Taxi waiting and reception areas inevitably attract customers often at unsociable hours.

“Taxis would congregate around the building waiting for a customer, discussing problems at their base, creating a busy and noisy 24-hour hub.”

Kim Wicker, of Edgeway Road, added: “Marston is busy enough as it is without a taxi rank.”

Edgeway Road resident and council east area planning committee chairman Roy Darke said: “People have stopped me on the street and said this was a concern. “They are worried about disturbance late in the evening.”

Residents have until Friday, April 19 to comment on the application.