MORE than 50 taxi drivers gathered in Bury today following a number of alleged incidents of vandalism on their vehicles.

Drivers from a number of private hire companies from across the town met at Bury Market car park on, off Spring Street, on Monday afternoon, in a show of solidarity.

It comes after an alleged incident in Broad Oak Lane on Saturday in which a driver for Royal Peel Cars claims a group of youngsters threw stones at his car and shattered his rear window.

Other drivers have reported being the victims of similar acts of vandalism, and claim that the police and Bury Council are not doing enough to protect them.

One driver who wished not to be named said: "There have been quite a lot of reports of taxis being smashed so we are hoping to hold a meeting with representatives from the council on Sunday."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly after 5pm on Saturday, March 10, police were called to reports of damage to a car on Broad Oak Lane in Bury.

"A group of teenagers had approached the car and thrown an object at it, breaking the rear window.

"They all then fled from the scene.

"Enquiries into the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing."

A neighbourhood inspector for Bury added: “We have had five reports of vandalism in the area against taxis and each one of these crimes is being investigated by our local officers.

“We’ve identified there is an issue with anti-social behaviour in this area and are working to resolve it. Our neighbourhood officers are carrying out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in the area today.

“We take every report of crime seriously and while we have to prioritise incidents based on threat, harm and risk, our local team are working with partners to find the people responsible.

“I’d encourage anyone else who has experienced vandalism in the area, or who has concerns to speak to police on 0161 856 8181 or 101.”