Taxi drivers in Cambridge are in “uproar” after discovering a taxi rank had been taken over by new cycle racks amid a battle for space in the city centre.

Drivers arriving at the rank in Sidney Street say they were shocked to see one of their “well-used” evening ranks was taken over by the racks.

Cambridge City Council chiefs say correct procedures were carried out and a taxi forum meeting was held over the changes.

A spokesman for Cambridge Hackney Carriage Association, which represents almost 200 drivers, said: “We were not told the rank was closing. They said about removing some racks to give us more room - there’s a pig flying - but no signs were put up either giving notice. There is uproar amongst some drivers at the moment to the way this was done.

“The first we all knew about it was when they started work, and I’m sure legally they have to put these notices up and give warning and consult us further.

“No-one knows who was present at this taxi forum meeting.”

But the council insists proper warning was given to taxi drivers.

Andy Preston, the council’s project delivery manager, said: “The taxi rank is being relocated off the footway on to the carriageway outside Boots, where it is also more appropriate and will have increased capacity.

“This proposal was consulted on by the city council with the rest of the proposals and no objections were received. The relocation was also discussed and agreed at a Taxi Drivers Forum Meeting, where it was noted that the increased capacity was appreciated.

“Cambridgeshire County Council then carried out the legal statutory TRO (traffic regulation order) process, which includes advertisement of the proposals in the local newspaper and a site notice, as well as specific targeted consultation with statutory stakeholders. No objections were received. The legal traffic order has now been sealed and will be operational from May 30, with the signage erected this week.”