TAXI drivers are calling for closed-circuit television cameras to be installed in their cabs, to protect them and their passengers.

Cabbies from across Wear Valley met to discuss the need for the equipment at The Aclet Hotel in Bishop Auckland on Tuesday.

Their comments were backed by a police officer, but they are still awaiting a decision on funding for the cameras after a council official was unable to attend.

Wear Valley District Council's commercial director Alec McCoy had been due to discuss the possibility of a grant, but fell ill.

At the meeting, it was claimed that Mr McCoy had earlier promised that up to £22,000 of funding may be available, but had since said the council would struggle to find the money.

In his place, council officer John Ingham was unable to answer any of the questions, and the council could not shed any further light on the situation yesterday.

The meeting was chaired by Stuart McClackhan, of Atlas Taxis and Minibuses, who said: "We need some sort of protection.

"I think every driver has had problems where the police should be there, but they aren't. We are out on the streets by ourselves and we are very vulnerable."

He said taxi firms did not expect the council to pay for all of the cameras, but at up to £500 a time, they hoped for some financial support.

Wear Valley's crime prevention officer, PC Don Luke, attended the meeting.

He said that as well as recording any assaults on drivers, CCTV would capture people who did not pay fares, protect drivers from false allegations of rape and also make passengers feel safer.

He said: "I think it's a great idea. With a camera in a car, and with signs on the door to say the vehicle has CCTV, straight away you've got a visual deterrent.

"I spoke to a policewoman in the office today and she said if she was getting in a taxi and it had a camera in, that would be the taxi she would get."

It is hoped that another meeting will be organised for the beginning of next month.