ONE of the most dastardly crimes today is the attacking and robbing of taxi drivers.

Taxi drivers perform a service of immense value to the public; they are called upon at whatever time of day or night and for a fare will take the hirer anywhere he reasonably wants to go.

Taxi drivers are 'loners,' 'sitting ducks,' at the mercy of passengers who decide to attack and rob them or damage his vehicle, or even steal it.

Not very long ago a cab driver was robbed and left miles from anywhere on a moorland road, without shoes, and his taxi was stolen.

Such a dire crime merits severe punishment and just compensation. To my mind, taxi drivers are brave people, and deserve the utmost protection by police and the courts.

I trust Jack Straw will see to it that they get it.

C A BAKEWELL, St James Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.