PENDLE will see taxi services limited to essential journeys only for the foreseeable future as the borough council aims to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The move comes amid a nationwide effort to reduce non-essential travel with police given extra powers to limit the spread of the virus by clamping down on drivers flouting these limits.

Individual taxi companies will be permitted to take the decision on whether to continue running at all in the current climate, however even those that do will see their operations reduced and will be limited mainly to transporting key workers.

Pendle Borough Council leader 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. “

In order to help people with restrictions, the council has set up a new community support hub which will provide information and reassurance to those in need.

Pendle taxi licensing manager Neil Watson 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 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.”

Find out more about Pendle Community Support Hub at pendle.gov.uk/communitysupporthub