Taxi driver's suspension leads to protest

Rochdale Council has revoked the licences of two taxi drivers after they were arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding following an attack near the Cask and Feather pub, Oldham Road on Sunday 1 December, which left one of the two men attacked in hospital in a critical condition.

The taxi drivers, aged 23 and 33, were questioned and released on bail.

While police inquiries continue, the council has temporarily revoked their taxi licences, leading to a protest by around 60 taxi drivers outside Number One Riverside.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council said: “We are aware of the allegations made against these private hire drivers.

"In the interest of public safety we have chosen to temporarily suspend their licences as a precautionary measure taking into account the serious nature of the alleged incident and their bail conditions.”

Police confirmed the men had been bailed until 21 January.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/84023/man-in-critical-condition-following-assault-in-rochdale-town-centre