A TAXI driver yesterday criticised council bureaucracy that left him unable to work for three weeks.

Andrew Kelly went to Darlington Borough Council to renew his private hire taxi licence, which expired on May 8.

But because of a speeding conviction last July, which meant his driver's licence had six penalty points, the licence could not be granted immediately. Mr Kelly had to go before yesterday's council licensing committee to have the licence renewed three weeks later.

He said: "Who is going to give me my money for the last three weeks to pay my gas, electric and water bills?"

The committee heard that although Mr Kelly had accepted the conviction for speeding, he maintained he was not driving the van at the time. Mr Kelly, 38, of Fenby Avenue, Darlington, said that on the date in question he was in Scotland, nowhere near where the offence was committed. But he accepted he had agreed to pay the fine and have his licence endorsed.

Councillor Eric Wilson responding to Mr Kelly's comments, said: "It is not the fault of this council or committee what has happened to you in the past."