A LEADING councillor is urging Burnley taxi drivers to take legal action against his own council - following a decision to more than triple the number of hackney cabs in the town.

Asian community leader Mozaquir Ali claimed the move would spell catastrophe for the existing 16 hackney licence holders who he claims will be driven out of business.

Burnley's public protection committee agreed with an independent consultants' report that there was significant unmet demand for hackney carriages, despite a protest petition and opposition from both hackney carriage and private hire firms.

Members decided to allow up to 18 additional black cab licences this year and a further five each year for the next four years - taking the total to 54.

They gave the go-ahead after hearing that to impose a restrictive ban on new licences could lead to applicants challenging the council in costly court proceedings.

But Councillor Ali, who spoke out on behalf of the cabbies, urged the men who man the taxi rank on Burnley Bus Station to turn the tables on the council - by taking the authority to court in a legal challenge to the decision.

He said: "These people are being badly let down by the council. "They have spent up to £40,000 buying each vehicle and they won't now be able to make a living.

"The increased competition will put them out of a job. The council is always talking about safeguarding people's jobs, but this decision will put cab operators out of work."

Coun Ali said the cabbies had ample grounds for a legal challenge to the "catastrophic attack" on their livelihoods.

He said the independent survey showed only six per cent of those asked felt their was a need for more black cabs.

"I also disagree with the findings of the consultants' report which compared Burnley with Manchester, Liverpool and other big cities in assessing demand.

"That was a nonsense and the committee's decision was pathetic."

Coun Ali said there would be a major protest by drivers when the committee recommendation goes to the full council for ratification next month.

The report to the public protection committee said any new tightening up of the criteria for cab applications would be a breach of natural justice.

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