TAXI operators today announced they were not planning a second strike following a meeting with police.

The announcement comes after taxi representatives, police and local council officials met with headteachers, youth and community workers and community safety officers.

Drivers in Burnley withdrew services last weekend following an attack on a colleague. They said it was the latest in a spate of offences targeting private hire vehicles and staff.

The meeting was organised by the police and taxi association to address recent problems, including the stoning of taxis on Accrington Road by youths.

Burnley taxi drivers walked out last weekend after repeated attack from gangs of stone throwing youths.

Police have now agreed to increase patrols in the town this weekend.

In the longer term, taxi operators are planning a series of visits to schools to warn of the potential dangers of throwing stones at taxis.

According to members of the Burnley Private Hire Association, for the past two years drivers have been targeted by young hooligans in the Accrington Road area of town.

Supt Steve Hartley, operations manager of Pennine Police, said: "The meeting was very constructive. A number of issues including the stoning, assault and racial abuse of taxi drivers were discussed and I think everyone present was in agreement that we must all work together to address them.

"For our part, we have already made two arrests and will be stepping up patrols in affected areas, including the town centre, this weekend in a bid to reassure both the public and the taxi drivers. Needless to say, swift and positive action will be taken against anyone causing problems -- including youths.

"However, other longer-term activity is planned not least visits to schools by taxi operators to impress on youngsters just how dangerous throwing stones at taxis can be."

Deputy chairman of the Burnley Private Hire Association, Duncan Allen, said he was pleased with the meeting.

He added: "The meeting was very constructive and, as a result, we have no plans to withdraw our services this weekend. By working in partnership with the police, local authority and local schools we are hoping that the problems we experienced last week will not be repeated.

He added: "We are currently very happy with the police's response and looking forward to working with both them and other agencies to move things forward."

Two people have been arrested for two separate offences against a taxi and a driver. A 40-year-old woman was arrested on Monday for common assault on a taxi driver following an incident on Sabden Road, Padiham, and a 13-year-old youth was arrested for causing damage to a taxi outside the Tim Bobbin Hotel on Padiham Road, Burnley on Thursday.