COUNCILLORS have been accused of potentially putting eight cabbies out of work after a controversial decision to refuse plans for a new taxi base in Nelson.

Under proposals to build the town's new rail and bus interchange, Ace Taxis, based in Hibson Road, was forced to find a new home.

But plans to continue the business at 78 Manchester Road, lodged with Pendle Council by Mr F Ahmed, have been ruled insufficient by the Nelson area committee.

The application would have seen parking for another eight vehicles provided at 111 Manchester Road, bringing the total number of vehicles run by the firm up to 16.

Even though the cabs have been licensed, the Nelson committee decided that - because the taxi parking contravened Lancashire County Council guidelines - the bid should be rejected. County regul-ations say taxis must have parking within 100metres of the recognised base - 111 Manchester Road is 50 metres further away than that.

Coun Donna Caley said: "In effect we are responsible for eight taxi drivers becoming unemployed, if we make this decision. I just find it awful that these people, through no fault of Pendle Council, have been forced out of their existing base and they are now struggling to find a new office."

Coun Mohammed Iqbal said: "There has been a mistake somewhere along the line and this council should be big enough to say that there has been."

But Philip Mousdale, a council community engagement director, denied the claims, saying: "What we are considering is whether this applicaton is suitable in planning terms."

Committee chairman David Foster said: "If we approve this we will throw the floodgates open to many others, which we have turned down for taxi offices which have been outside the 100metre rule."

Councillors defeated a motion calling for the taxi office expansion to be allowed, and narrowly voted to refuse the application.