Taxis in Burnley and Pendle to operate essential journeys only from tonight

Taxis in Burnley and Pendle are to operate essential journeys only from 6pm this evening.
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Announcing the decision this afternoon 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."

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

Taxis in Pendle are to operate only on essential journeys from 6pm today.Taxis in Pendle are to operate only on essential journeys from 6pm today.
Taxis in Pendle are to operate only on essential journeys from 6pm today.

“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."

"Yesterday the government made new public health regulations and strengthened police enforcement powers to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“This includes avoiding non-essential travel."

Leader of Pendle Council, Mohammed Iqbal, said that taxi drivers are following government advice to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and iit was 'vital' that drivers and passengers are protected and priority is being given to vulnerable people and NHS staff getting to and from work.

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Mr Watson 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 the following:

• call (01282) 661743

• fill in an online form via www.pendle.gov.uk/communitysupporthub

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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

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