A COUNCIL boss has pedged to do all he can to protect taxi drivers.

Peter Henderson's vow came after a string of terrifying attacks across Burnley.

Private hire and hackney carriage drivers last week said they were feeling increasingly exposed to violent attacks from disgruntled punters, particularly when picking up fares in Burnley town centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

Following the concerns, it was announced that eight taxis were to have a securtiy screen fitted by the council in a trial.

In addition, the council is also arranging for a firm which supplies CCTV cameras for vehicles to give a presentation to drivers.

Peter Henderson, Burnley Council's principal licensing officer, said: "The safety of taxi drivers and the travelling public is of prime concern for us, and we are working with local cab operators to ensure we are doing all we can to protect them from violence and anti-social behaviour.

"We asked the taxi association to discuss with their members what kind of level of interest there is among them in installing surveillance cameras in their cabs, and what kind of contribution they are prepared to make towards the cost.

"If there's sufficient interest then we can begin to seek funding for cameras."