A BURNLEY taxi drivers' leader has warned the borough could face "substantial and sustained" action by drivers after the council refused to relax testing rules.

Duncan Allen, secretary of the Burnley Private Hire Association, has written to council leader Stuart Caddy accusing the local authority of "using public protection and public safety as a tool to pick our pockets".

His call comes after councillors refused a request from the association, which represents local taxi operators, to reduce the number of MOTs required for private hire taxis.

The tests are currently carried out twice a year for cars under three-years-old and three times a year for vehicles between three and seven-years-old, the maximum age limit.

Figures show that 35 per cent of cars failed MOTs with serious defects in September 2003, down from 64 per cent in November 2000.

Drivers had requested the number of tests be reduced by one for each group, stating that vehicle quality had improved, but councillors on the executive refused on grounds of public safety.

Their request stated: "The day of the clapped-out private hire vehicle is over.

"The private hire industry in Burnley has been cleaned up significantly, we don't accept any reduction in MOT tests would compromise achievements that have already been made and we will not accept an outright refusal on this issue.

"If council members continually refuse to discuss the issue in a proper constructive manner we would be left with no alternative other than a ballot of our members."

Coun Caddy said that if taxi drivers wanted to go on strike they could do so but that "we should not change the policy".

Mr Allen's letter stated: "We are disgusted with your remark.

"If we decide to take action it will be substantial and sustained. Burnley Council alone will be responsible for the effect it will have on local business and children's education.

"We will use every means available to gain public support."