TAXI drivers in Burnley went on strike to protest at changes to the testing and licensing of their vehicles.

Hackney and private hire drivers staged the one-day action yesterday but they were back on the streets today after talks with council bosses.

And, despite returning to work, the threat of more strikes remains as the dispute has not been resolved.

Drivers removed their licence plates and handed them in to the town hall, as well as a petition demanding the council started "listening to their views".

The strike was called after councillors agreed to change the testing and licensing of taxis from once to three times a year.

Councillors claimed the change would reduce bureaucracy and allow drivers to book tests so they could chose a convenient time.

But drivers' associations said the change had been introduced without proper consultation and would make them the most highly regulated in Lancashire.

Mohammed Arif, vice- chair of the Burnley Private Hire Association, which looks after 400 drivers, said: "We are really sorry we had to take this action and I would like to apologise to the people of Burnley that there were no cars on the streets to provide them with a service but we were left with no choice.

"These changes have been introduced with no proper consultation with us and without our concerns being listened to. All we are looking for is a bit of understanding and co-operation from the council."

Shakoor Hussain, of the Hackney Carriage Association, which has 34 drivers, said: "This strike had our full backing. The council has not listened to us and so we have been forced to take this step."

Karen Davies, Burnley Council's licensing manager, said: "The council has talked to both the Hackney Carriage Association and the Private Hire Association about the proposed improvements to the licensing processes in an effort to deal with their concerns.

"At the meeting the executive considered representations from the Private Hire Association, before deciding to approve the proposals in the interests of public safety.

"The council's acting chief executive and deputy leader met representatives from both associations yesterday afternoon and an undertaking has been given that other concerns not related to the new policy will be investigated."