Middleton taxi drivers call for action after spate of antisocial behaviour

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Moss Lane, seen from Manchester Road

Middleton taxi drivers are calling for action after a spate of antisocial behaviour in Alkrington.

In recent weeks, drivers have reported several issues with children throwing stones and stealing from drivers.

Tariq Khan, from Number One Taxi, said: “We are having big issues with kids throwing stones and robbing drivers, but no action has been taken.

“One driver picked up. He was punched and kicked out of the car and had his money bag stolen.

“Another was punched and received two black eyes after they tried to grab his money bag. He didn’t give it to them and drove off.

“A third was attacked by ten people near Apple [Way] and Pear [Close]. The windows were smashed and they tried to take his money. The car was taken for forensic evidence.

Driver Azis ul Khan told how there was trouble nearly every day with stones and eggs being thrown at the cars in the Moss Lane area.

He added: “We need help. We need to drive and it’s dangerous.”

Another driver, Kamran Bhadur, told how he was once threatened by ‘five kids with a knife’ and feels incidents like these ‘get brushed under the carpet’. He says Moss Lane and Heap Meadows are of particular concern with drivers reluctant to pick up there.

He said: “People forget a taxi driver on his own is vulnerable. When we do the course for licensing, we look at respect for the customer’s safety. Where is my safety?

“Kids are not bothered if you have a customer. At night, you can see groups of them around. They’re all underage and out at 11, 12 o’clock at night. Their parents don’t seem bothered.

“When it’s nice like this, you can be ready to receive a brick, a stone, an egg for no reason. It’s become a normal thing, a bad day at work.

"Every taxi driver makes money to support his family, but I think I’d be more secure in another job.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed it is aware of at least one incident and investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.15pm on 25 July to reports of damage to a vehicle. A large stone had been thrown and smashed the rear window of the taxi and the offenders have run away from the scene.”