Taxi drivers in Wrexham could face tests on their English language skills and knowledge of the area.
Wrexham Council is due to discuss proposals that anyone applying for a taxi licence must show a command of "basic" written and spoken English.

The move follows licence applications from people who do not speak English.

A growing number of immigrants live in Wrexham, including up to 10,000 Poles - many of whom moved after Poland joined the European Union in 2004.

The council said it was impossible to monitor exactly how many immigrants were in the area.

But it is thought around a quarter of Polish immigrants entering Wales head for Wrexham and neighbouring Flintshire.

The numbers have grown so much that North Wales Police are considering recruiting Polish-speaking officers.

There is a also a vibrant Portuguese community in the town.

In a report to be discussed on Monday, Wrexham Council said it had a duty to ensure it only issued taxi licences to "fit and proper" applicants.

 One firm says there is a shortage of drivers in Wrexham

It said a command of basic written and spoken English was essential for a driver to "safely and effectively discharge his duties".

A list of 100 questions have been drafted, including: "Where is Mecca Bingo?" and "On which road is Wrexham football ground?"

Applicants will be expected to answer 25 out of 30.

As well as the test, any recent criminal convictions could also be scrutinised, and applicants must meet specified medical standards.

However, the test was not been welcomed by one Wrexham taxi firm.

The owner, who did not want to be named, said there was already a shortage of drivers in the town.

He added: "The problem is that all the police checks every driver has to go through currently take at least 12 weeks to come through - very often longer.

"This has led to a shortage of drivers because people can't afford to be out of work for that long.

"I understand that drivers should be able to speak English, of course. But if people are also going to have to wait to take a test, then wait for their results, the problem is going to get worse.

"The whole process needs to be speeded up."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_east/6187306.stm