A former head of the district’s taxi drivers association says his calls for better security to help drivers have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears.

Two drivers were targeted by masked men armed with hammers whilst working in Witham, leading to concerns being raised about drivers safety.

John Cenci, former chairman of Braintree Hackney Carriage Association, said something needs to be done to protect people on the rank.

He said: “It is going keep happening until we have new lighting and CCTV installed.

“We have no protection at the moment. When I was chairman I raised it with the council on six different occasions but nothing happened.

“A lot of drivers are worried, we are more vulnerable now than ever and there are more drivers using the rank.”

Wendy Schmitt, councillor responsible for environment and place, said the council took drivers safety very seriously and said help was available if drivers wanted it.

She said: “We also offer grant funding of up to £300 per vehicle to install CCTV which we would encourage drivers to apply for so we can create a safer environment for drivers and passengers.”

At 12.40am on Wednesday, February 7, two men with silver claw hammers demanded money from a taxi driver at Witham Station.

About 15 minutes later another taxi driver was called to Teak Walk where two men with a claw hammer tried to rob him.

A man was also attacked from behind whilst walking near Guithavon Road at 10.15pm the same night.

Call Det Con Dave Smith at Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Contact 01376 557790 for more information on funding for CCTV cameras.