FURIOUS taxi drivers have demanded to know why they are still waiting for a cab rank in Churchgate - a year after work to revamp the street was finished.

Owners of Hackney carriages say they are being forced to use dangerously overcrowded ranks in Bradshawgate, or face confrontations with over-zealous traffic wardens who move them on as they are trying to pick up trade elsewhere.

The previous three-space taxi rank outside the Brass Cat pub vanished as part of the £700,000 scheme to transform Churchgate into a cobbled street.

Bill Williams, of Bolton Taxi Drivers Association, said drivers had been promised an extended night rank, with space for up to 16 cabs, in the street.

Redevelopment work was completed in December 2006 and black cab drivers say they are puzzled that taxi ranks are yet to appear.

"It seems we've been let down by the council again," said Mr Williams.

"We've got drivers being chased off Churchgate by traffic wardens or the licensing department accusing is of over-ranking on Bradshawgate.

"It's very dangerous for other motorists using Bradshawgate when there are so many taxis about."

Charles Oakes, of Bolton and Bury Hackney Association, said he had advised drivers to ignore traffic wardens' orders to move and that any tickets issued had been withdrawn after complaints to Bolton Council's parking services department.

"I understand that the rank won't be marked out on the road but made clear by signs," he said.

"The signs would have solved the problem but these things take time."

A council spokesman said that a "restricted parking zone" would be created along the length of Churchgate to act as a loading bay during the day and as a taxi rank at night.

"A restricted parking zone requires special authorisation from the Department for Transport for placement of the non-standard signs," said the spokesman.

"We are still awaiting authorisation and are in regular contact with the DfT to try and move forward with the plans.

"We are also preparing a letter to send to Ruth Kelly, secretary of state for transport, to ask her to expedite this issue."