FUNERAL directors have killed off proposals for a taxi rank outside their premises which they said would have interfered with the “dignity” of ceremonies.
M&F Funeral Services, which trades in Tranent, East Lothian, feared they would have to carry coffins along the street if the proposals went ahead.
At an East Lothian Council licensing sub-committee meeting last week, the funeral directors said the rank could cause “distress” to grieving relatives.
Taxi and private hire drivers had applied for an additional rank in the town’s Winton Place, but councillors rejected the bid.
A spokesman for M&F Funeral Services told thw council meeting they felt it was “not dignified and respectful to carry coffins from further down the street” to their premises.
Hazel Little, chief executive of M&F, added in a letter to the meeting: “I am concerned that by having tha taxi stance directly outside our branch we will need to manoeuvre between our vehicles and taxis.
“Not only does this not project a professional, respectful and dignified way to conduct our business, but it could also be distressing to our clients, families of the deceased, to see.”
