A STRIKE could be brewing among Matlock taxi drivers in the run up to New Year's Eve.

Taxi firms say they have suffered at the hands of Derbyshire Dales District Council policies, and reports suggest that cabs may boycott December 31 in protest.

Operators in Matlock said this week they didn't know if a strike would take place, but they would support its motives.

Michael Fox, of Fox Cars, said some drivers were using underhand tactics to get their share of trade.

He said: "The council is taking money off us but isn't interested in doing anything about the problems.

"It's a free for all and it's creating animosity between drivers.
"If there was a strike we would consider getting on board because something needs to be done.

"If the council don't do something about it, someone else will."

Brian Masters, of Matlock Taxis added: "(A strike) is probably brewing.

"The council have never given us a proper rank, they just give us little corners which have been failures.

"I can't really answer if we would strike, I would have to see whether it would do any good or if we would just be throwing away a day's takings.

"I would support it in principle, but I think the drivers would be the ones who would suffer."

Struggling taxi firms were dealt a blow earlier this year when the district council imposed a 13 per cent hike in cost for their licences.

And drivers slammed council action to stop them waiting outside Somerfield, Matlock Bus Station, The Derbyshire Building Society and the former Kwik Save store.

Inspector Paul Corton of Matlock police said a taxi strike on a busy New Year's Eve would be cause for concern for the police, but he didn't believe it would take place.

He said: "There are a lot of independent taxi drivers in town and the longer established companies are feeling threatened.

"I received a letter expressing concern about the number of drivers coming in from outside.

"These drivers are legitimate, but there is this underlying tension.

"I haven't heard anything about a strike and I would be surprised if it were to happen on New Year's Eve.
"Obviously, I'm concerned as it would be a bad time for it to happen."

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: "The district council has not had any contact from the taxi operators saying that they intend to go on strike on New Year's Eve."

Do you agree with the taxi drivers? Email us on news@matlockmercury .co.uk.

Story by Richard Woolley
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