TAXI passengers have received reassurances that checks are being made amid fears Polish immigrants with criminal backgrounds are getting licences in the borough.
Blyth Valley Council, which issues hackney carriage licences to taxi drivers in the borough, has stressed that stringent examinations are carried out on all applications.

It comes after concerns have been raised that six Polish drivers, who have been in the country only a few weeks, are operating a taxi service in the town and would not have had time to undergo the nationally required tests including criminal record checks.

All applicants, regardless of nationality, need to pass a local bylaw test and submit a police check, which can take a minimum of four weeks and up to three months.

The police inspection determines whether applicants are suitable to be in contact with children and vulnerable adults.

One concerned member of the public questioned how the drivers were able to get a licence so soon.

The resident said: "These drivers will come in contact with women, young girls, elderly and children on a regular basis without anyone knowing their background.

"Working in a factory or any other establishment is fine, but not with the general public in such a sensitive area as transport.

"When a member of the public gets in a taxi he or she must be confident that the driver is of good character and has no criminal record."

The council confirmed that four Polish drivers are operating a taxi service in the borough.

A spokesperson added that although they have only been in the country for about six weeks, all of them are fully licensed having passed the required tests, including the police check carried out under a quicker system in Poland.

She said: "There are now four Polish nationals licensed as taxi drivers in Blyth Valley.

"They have undergone the same rigorous background checks as any other applicant and have all passed medicals and the local bylaw test.

"All applicants from other EU countries have full criminal record checks carried out in their home country to accompany their application."
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