PRIVATE hire operators have vowed to take on Blackburn with Darwen Council in the courts after forming a new association to deal with a series of long-running disputes.

The move follows the collapse of strike planned by the Blackburn with Darwen private hire association.

Drivers are furious at increased licence fees and plans to introduce weekly safety checks on vehicles.

The strike call came after a series of stoppages but the protest was called off at the last minute when five firms broke ranks.

Rows over threats of retaliation and tactics led to major divisions and splits in the trade.

The newly-formed group has the backing of the National Private Hire Association.

Operators held a meeting at the Bridge Inn, Audley, yesterday and organisers say half the borough's firms have agreed to join the new group.

A constitution was drawn up at the meeting, a committee formed and Blackburn operator Susan Bailey appointed secretary. Officials from rival associations are believed to be supporting the new group.

Susan Bailey said: "Operators are furious at what the council is doing and many of them think the council is trying to ruin our business.

"The council is making money out of the private hire trade. The idea of weekly safety checks is just ridiculous. Something should be done if there are unsafe cars on the road, but at the end of the day we are drivers not qualified mechanics.

"If the council wants weekly safety checks then it should get its mechanics to do the testing."

Mrs Bailey added: "There will be no more strikes or go slows but we will be taking the council on.

"We are quite prepared to meet the council but if necessary we will take our case to the courts. This time we will have support and legal back-up from a national organisation."

Blackburn with Darwen Council public protection committee chairman Jim Blackburn said: "I had no idea or indication that a new association was being formed in the borough.

"We have said all along that we are only too happy to meet and talk with the private hire operators.

"But we have no requests or calls for meetings from any organisations representing the operators in recent weeks."

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