FYLDE folk are being encouraged to get in the Cab it Habit by a new partnership between their local council and taxi operators.

The borough's Quality Taxi Partnership is launching a 'Get the Cab it Habit' campaign, encouraging people to take a cab rather than risking walking home late at night.

The partnership, set up by operators and Fylde Borough Council to improve taxi services, believes encouraging the use of taxis will help combat crime in the area.

Posters backing the campaign have been printed and will be distributed to local pubs, clubs and takeaways, with major taxi firms across the area signing up to the scheme.

Cllr Dawn Prestwich, chairman of the council's licensing and appeals committee, said: "With the summer months approaching we are expecting to see more and more people out enjoying themselves.

"It's very important that we try to make sure that these people feel safe and have taxi services they feel they can trust when they need to get home.

"I'm delighted by the response from local taxi companies, who are more than happy to work with us to ensure that quality services are provided in Fylde.

"By working and talking together, I am sure that we can improve the delivery of joint services."

Other issues on the Quality Taxi Partnership's agenda include a review of taxi ranks, an increase in the number of disabled access cabs and improved taxi licence plates.

The council hopes the initiative will help to tackle crime and fear of crime across the area .

This supports the goals of the area's community safety partnership it was explained.