Taxi firm to re-launch

A taxi firm which closed and led to fears 40 jobs would go is to be re-launched. more

Codsall Cars went into financial difficulties and its vehicles and phonelines were taken over by Wolverhampton-based Centre Cars.

But many of the drivers will now be re-hired by the newly established company.

Imran Younis, who worked at the old Codsall Cars for 10 years as a base controller, has restablished the new firm.

It will be named Codsall and Perton Cars - the name of the original firm before it was changed to Codsall Cars some years ago.

Mr Younis, aged 33, said he would be doing all he could to give as much work as possible to the old firm's fleet of drivers.

He also spoke of the devastation felt by staff when Codsall Cars went into financial difficulty.

"It was devastating at the time, a real shock, and of course we were all owed wages," he said.

"I'll be doing my best to ensure that this will remain a South Staffordshire company.

"Obviously we can't take on 40 people straightaway but having spoken to the vast majority of drivers they're going to come back as and when there's work."

Mr Younis said he had spoken to residents, businesses and Staffordshire Council and the overwhelming feeling was that people wanted the firm back.

"Codsall Cars is back," he added.

"I spoke to the council, businesses and old customers and they're dying for us to reopen.

"We've got Codsall, Perton, Pattingham, Coven and Brewood - there are a lot of people relying on taxis.

"I was here for 10 years and at one point we had 35 cars running 24 hours a day.

"Last year it was a mess, but we're looking forward to starting again now."

Centre Cars had agreed to take on the majority of the drivers back in February, but staff were having to wait for their taxi licenses to come back through from Wolverhampton City Council.

Councillor Robert McCardle, strategic services chief at South Staffordshire Council, hailed the re-launch as good news for the village and surrounding areas.

He said: "Any job creaton is great news.

"For a business point of view this is very positive.

"A lot of people in these areas rely on taxis to get to hospitals, doctor appointments, etc.

"Taxis are a really important part of communication between the villages."