Pendle News Room

Neil Watson who manages taxi licensing for Pendle said:

“Our taxis in Pendle provide a valuable service.

“They are facing a difficult choice of whether they can continue to provide a service whilst protecting their staff and customers,” he said.

Individual taxi companies are making the decision whether to operate through the coronavirus crisis. 

“The companies that will continue to provide a service will do so responsibly by only taking passengers on essential journeys and by practising safe distancing” stated Neil Watson.

“This week, on Thursday 26th March, the government made new public health regulations and strengthened police enforcement powers to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“This includes avoiding non-essential travel,” he explained.

Leader of Pendle Council, Mohammed Iqbal, said:

“Taxi drivers are following Government advice to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s vital that drivers and passengers are protected and priority is being given to vulnerable people and NHS staff getting to and from work. 

Neil Watson who manages taxi licensing for Pendle Council added.

“We know this is a challenging time and there is a range of support for people.

“The new Pendle Community Hub is there to help vulnerable people for things like food shopping and collecting prescriptions and helping people cope with social isolation.

Any vulnerable person who needs help can get support and people can refer vulnerable people to us:

• call (01282) 661743
• email helpneeded@pendle.gov.uk
• fill in an online form via www.pendle.gov.uk/communitysupporthub
The phone lines are open 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday.
The details are on Pendle Council’s website: www.pendle.gov.uk/communitysupporthub