PLANS to increase the number of Hackney cabs in Burnley have been put on hold following protests from the cabbies themselves.

Licensed taxi operators claimed proposals to add up to 10 more licences to the 16 currently issued over the next five years would hit their livelihood and want the council's plan scrapped.

But before the issue was debated, the council's ruling Labour leaders agreed defer a decision to next week's meeting of the public protection committee to allow time for more discussion.

Liberal Democrat Mozaquir Ali who presented the cabbies' petition to the committee said the planned increase in licences was being opposed by both the Hackney carriage and private hire operators.

"The Hackney owners have spent £40,000 buying their vehicles and they believe their ability to make a living with them is under threat."

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