Taxi deliveries cause concern

A spokesman for a rival taxi firm, told the 'MAIL' of the 'under the counter' operation which, he claimed, had been going on for some time, and which saw drink being sold at inflated prices to youngsters.

"The firm in question buys drink in bulk from a local bar and then sells it off to whoever wants it at prices which are well over the odds," claimed the spokesman. "They can either call round at the firm's base or have the drink delivered to their home."

A lot of under-age drinkers were apparently taking advantage of the 'service' and the firm concerned didn't appear to have any qualms about selling drink to the youngsters, said the spokesman.

"It's a despicable carry-on and other taxi firms are being inundated with requests for the same service. I have had numerous calls asking for alcohol and callers get quite irate when I tell them we don't do that sort of thing," he said.

He also claimed the actions of the taxi firm concerned were tarnishing the image of other firms in the area.

"Most of us are simply out to earn an honest living," he said. "However, when this sort of thing starts to go on it makes you angry that many firms are having their good name dragged into the mud."