UNSAFE Rossendale taxis were taken off the road during a crackdown at Manchester Airport.

The council-led team four vehicles on the spot for serious defects including one with a bald tyre.

They gave out ten notices to drivers licensed by Rossendale borough for minor defects on their taxis.

Cllr Steve Hughes, chair of Rossendale Council’s Licensing Committee, said:“This operation sends out a clear message that we will take action to ensure the safety of taxis licensed by the borough.

“The majority of taxis are safe and their drivers make sure their vehicles are kept up to standard.

“But we have a vital role in tackling the minority who don’t and we will take whatever action necessary.”

Wayne Poole, Director of Landside Operations, said:“Our 26million annual passengers come from far and wide and we support any action by local authorities to ensure those using any form of public transport are kept safe and secure.”

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