Family’s tears for popular taxi boss

MUCH-LOVED . . .Allan Taylor

THE family of a man who ran an Oldham taxi firm for more than 30 years have spoken of their loss at his sudden death.

Allan Taylor collapsed and died at his home in Nordek Close, Royton, on Thursday. He was 60.

A well-respected local businessman, Mr Taylor retired two years ago after first buying Radio Cars then Car Tax, and later merging the two companies.

He met his wife, Dorothy, when she worked as a receptionist at Radio Cars, and they have two daughters, Sue Ferris, who is married to Peter, and Pam Taylor, whose partner is Glen Dickinson. He also leaves a sister, Lucyenne Taylor.

They paid tribute to Mr Taylor, saying he was a great family man, who loved and adored his family, and would do anything for them.

Mrs Taylor said: “I still can’t believe how many people have been in touch with us, and all the good things they had to say about Allan.”

He was 60 in April and celebrated shortly afterwards with a week-long Mediterranean cruise, where he was joined by 33 members of his family and friends, ranging from the age of two to 70.

Mr Taylor was a former chairman of the Oldham Private Hire Association, and was passionate about keeping taxi standards high, both with regards to customer service and the condition of vehicles.

“He always wanted the best for private hire firms in Oldham,” added Mrs Taylor.

The couple spent much time at their caravan near Garstang, where Mr Taylor found relief from his stressful job.

He was also a partner in a car repair garage, Argyll Motor Company, in Derker Street, from 1990 until a few months ago, when the property was subject to a compulsory purchase order. Mr Taylor decided to step down and leave business partner Stephen Holmes to carry on.

A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out today, following which funeral arrangements will be made.