EMERGENCY meetings have been held between taxi firms and police after a weekend walkout in protest at attacks on drivers.

Private hire taxi and Hackney cab drivers staged the strike from noon on Friday until 6am today after assaults on drivers and attacks on vehicles over the last two years.

Burnley drivers threatened the walk-out on Friday following an assault on driver Sameer Ul Rehman who was attacked in Accrington Road after remonstrating with youths who had thrown an egg at his car.

A spokesman for the Burnley Private Hire Association said: "We apologise for any inconvenience and it's always been our policy to try to inform the public in advance of any withdrawl of service. Unfortunately this was one driver assault too many.

"As drivers we appreciate the hazards that come with the job, but it is unreasonable to expect any driver to go to work not knowing if they will be going home after their shift has ended.

"We don't want strikes or no-go areas, but these mindless incidents have to stop. It is only a matter of time before a driver or a passenger is seriously injured."

Operators said they had received assurances from police at meetings over the weekend that everything would be done to prevent assaults on drivers and that offenders would be caught and prosecuted.

Today Coun Mozaquir Ali, of Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, said: "I'm glad drivers have called off the strike and are no longer putting the public in difficulty. These complaints need to be taken seriously by the police and council.

"Taxi drivers are vulnerable and we can't overlook their concerns or wait until we have a serious injury or death before we act."

Chief Supt John Knowles said: "The very nature of the work means taxi drivers are subject to abuse and sometimes attack. We are very sympathetic to their situation and will do all we can to improve matters.

"Over the weekend we have met with those who represent them and other key individuals from the community to discuss the way forward. These talks will continue this week and will involve council officers as well."