A TAXI firm for the elderly and disabled is set to open despite objections from pensioners whose bungalows are only yards away.

Thirty three people living in bungalows off Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, signed a petition objecting to the taxi business.

But Valley planners are recommending it should be approved, provided hours and the number of taxis are limited.

The firm plans to operate from an empty industrial unit at Brookside Business Park.

The operators, who also run a care agency looking after elderly and disabled people in their own homes, believe there is a need for a taxi service for their clients as well as able-bodied people.

Local people fear they will be disturbed by traffic to and from the unit, the noise of engines starting and car doors opening and closing.

Planners believe this can be avoided if the hours are restricted to 7am to midnight, avoiding the night club trade, and permission is given for no more than four taxis.

The operators have assured council staff all the drivers will be carefully vetted.

A report to the council's planning sub-committee tomorrow tells councillors: "There is a perceived demand for taxis which will provide a full service to the elderly, infirm or disabled, helping those people into and out of taxis and assisting with shopping bags.

"The applicant does run a care agency and is therefore in a position both to recognise a need and to control the staff employed as drivers to ensure impact due to noise and manoeuvring vehicles is minimised."

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