HYNDBURN taxi drivers are awaiting a council decision which they say could adversely affect their livelihoods.

A survey is currently being carried out by Hyndburn Borough Council to determine whether or not more 'hail and ride' cabs are needed in Accrington town centre and a decision should be reached by the end of the month.

But Mohammed Arif, chairman of the Hyndburn Taxi Cab Association, says that what is needed is more taxi ranks rather than actual vehicles.

He said: "I think we have got far too many cars already and there are not enough spaces in the town centre for them. If more drivers are brought in then the livelihoods of current independent drivers will be affected.

"What we need is more ranks so that we can provide a better service for the public. We could also do with a booking office because as it is people have to make their way to us, which means that disabled people can not make use of our adapted vehicles.

"We have asked for one previously but were refused because of the cost involved."

Currently there are 63 independent vehicles working from about 21 spaces in Accrington town centre. There are usually at least 50 of these on the road at any one time.

Eight of these vehicles are Hackney cabs or mini buses which are fully adapted for disabled users.

The other saloon cars are all equipped with a special seat for wheelchair users but disabled passengers need to make their way to the current ranks on Holme Street or Union Street.

Drivers have been issued with forms to fill in regarding their opinions on whether more Hackney cabs are needed and local disabled groups have also been consulted.

Steve Todd, head of environmental health at Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "The purpose of a taxi rank is that people can wander about and know that it is there for when they want to go home rather than to have to call for a car.

"If drivers want to be called out and go to people's homes to pick them up they can operate as private hire.

"This is not an issue that has been raised so far but we will be looking at all of the results and responses at the end of the month."