LYTHAM St Annes taxi-drivers will be out in force on Millennium Eve - while their colleagues in Blackpool are likely to stay at home.

The reason is the difference in fares - Fylde Council is allowing its taxis to charge triple rates this New Year's Eve, while Blackpool will allow only normal weekend rates. Wyre Council has yet to make a decision.

Ian Beardwell, of Fylde Taxi Association, said: "The association put forward triple tariff as a reasonable rate, and the council agreed. A lot of drivers had said they weren't going to work Millennium Eve, but now they think it's worth it.

"When customers have inquired what we'll be charging, they all seem to think it's reasonable."

The premium means a typical Millennium Eve fare from St Annes to Blackpool will be around £24, or to Preston £50.

Blackpool's 1,500 cabbies are appealing for their council to reconsider - suggesting a £3 supplement on each fare. Mike Japp, of the Blackpool Licensed Taxi-Drivers' Association, said: "As it stands, only a tiny handful of those who have no alternative will be working. The vast majority have indicated they're not prepared to work for normal weekend fares, it's not worth it.

"People planning to go out on Millennium Eve in Blackpool should consider very carefully how they're going to be getting back home."

Derek Holden, of Wyre Hackney Association, said: "It's a contentious issue, and it annoys me that we're the only people whose prices are controlled by district councils, while pubs and clubs can charge whatever they want.

"The differences in fares up and down the coast will mean the availability of cabs will be unbalanced. Personally I think double tariff is reasonable - Wyre drivers have put in their suggestions to the council, but at the moment we're still left in limbo-land."

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