PEOPLE involved in crimes against taxi drivers now face a ban from Burnley town centre and from all private hire and black cabs.

In a bid to keep cabbies safe police are extending the award-winning Burnley Against Night Time Disorder (BAND) initiative to include violence in taxis.

BAND was launched in November by police and town centre management team in a bid to reduce incidents of violent disorder and criminal damage in the town centre.

Anyone involved in acts of serious assault, violence, drug supply or use, inside or outside of licensed premises face a year's band from the town centre. So far 23 people have been banned from entering town-centre pubs and clubs.

The number of incidents of violent disorder are reported to have dropped significantly.

A taxi driver suffered a throat wound in a town centre incident in Burnley last weekend. A man has been chargd with grievous bodily harm and affray in connection with that incident.

Talks have been held between private hire and Hackney carriage chiefs and the police. IT is now intended to extend the BAND initiative to that cabs as well as pubs and clubs are covered by the scheme.

Town centre sergeant Andy Moore commented: "Violence will simply not be tolerated in or around Burnley town centre.

"Thanks to BAND we have seen a reduction in the number of violent incidents and I see no reason why we can't enjoy the same level of success in private hire and hackney carriages. "Discussions with taxi chiefs have already taken place and they are enthusiastic about joining the scheme which will see taxi drivers banned from town."

Sgt Moore said they wanted people to be able to come to Burnley and enjoy a safe night out.

He added: "Equally important was the safety of people working in and around the centre which is why we are keen to extend the BAND scheme to help keep cabbies safe."

Duncan Allan, secretary of the Private Hire Association, said he welcomed the move. The safety of drivers at work and going home from work was their main concern.

Anyone found guilty of an offence against a driver would also face being banned by all private hire companies and the Hackney carriages in the town.