TAXI drivers in Darlington warned last night that they could stage another strike in the run-up to Christmas.

A meeting was held with more than 50 members and supporters of Darlington Hackney/Private Hire Association this week, following strike action last month.

The drivers are protesting against a perceived lack of support from Darlington Borough Council and pushed for a vote of no confidence in the authority.

Some of the concerns the association has raised with the council include a lack of direct access points to the town, inadequate taxi rank space, the need for a direct contact number for the police, and the council's refusal to allow taxis to use bus lanes.

Linda Linley, secretary of the association, said: "We can- not guarantee there will not be another strike. However, before any decision is made as to if and when we strike, we will be consulting with the police about issues that arose from the last one.

"I do not want to say what these issues were, but further strike action will depend on the outcome of this consultation."

At the meeting, members of the association also unanimously agreed to support other protest groups, including Save the White Horse pub, and back their call for a vote of no confidence in the council.

Ms Linley said: "Our problems with the council began when they started the pedestrian heart project in the town centre. We provide a service for many people who are elderly, or who have medical difficulties, such as bad knees and hips or breathing or heart problems.

"Many would ask us to take them from their home to the post office to pick up their pension and wait for them, to take them back. However, due to the barriers now in place, we can't get near the post office, as well as some banks and building societies."

A council spokeswoman said: "Before pedestrian heart works began there was a wide-ranging consultation which took into account the views and needs of many different people, including the disabled and elderly.

"This is a massive project and we appreciate the coming year is going to be difficult for some people. In the long-term, the pedestrian heart will benefit the local economy and we would ask people to be patient."