One in three cabs stopped during safety checks in Blackburn town centre have had their licences suspended after failing to meet minimum safety standards.

Eight of 22 vehicles inspected by licensing enforcement officers, the police and officers from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency were served with prohibition notices.

The cars will have to pass an MOT before being allowed back on the road.

Chris Allen, the council's head of environmental health and trading standards, said: "Taxi drivers have a responsibility to the public and it is illegal for them to drive in unsafe vehicles."