ANYONE using a cab locally in recent months and asking the right question would have received the same answer: Delta Taxis is badly run and on borrowed time.

In other words, it was an open secret in the trade that whatever was happening at its La Hure Mare, Vale, offices was not contributing to a company with a future.

When its managing director later appeared in the Royal Court to resist compulsory liquidation, the Deputy Bailiff actually suggested he took legal advice because he could end up personally liable for its unpaid bills.

Now, however, that the firm has gone bust it appears that despite £120,000-worth of debts it is still business as usual and calls to its trademark number were still being answered as Delta Taxis.

For those currently out of pocket, including the taxpayer owed £50,000 in unpaid income tax and social security payments, that will leave a sour taste, especially since the man seemingly unable to run the company profitably is still involved with the new owners.

Whether there is anything wrong in that will doubtless emerge as the court-appointed liquidator digs into locating whatever assets remain that might be used to repay creditors and it was clear from Environment’s comments as licensing authority that it, too, has concerns.

Unfortunately, no one associated with the new company would discuss how Delta Taxis has morphed into Ashdon Lyme Ltd, a motor vehicle dealer operated from a St Sampson’s home, or whether it has any intention of paying off any of the outstanding money.

At this stage, it is not even clear exactly how the old company’s indebtedness has built up. One former employee has suggested it was on such a knife-edge that it needed cash top-ups from its own drivers to stay afloat. True or not, a licensed taxi operator has ceased operating leaving a trail of debts, a string of unanswered questions and concerns about the adequacy of regulation.

Islanders – and those out of pocket – deserve to know what’s going on and Delta Taxis should not be allowed to operate until a full and satisfactory explanation has been given.