TAXI drivers have appealed for the decision to close police station doors at 8pm to be reversed for one night amid fears for their safety.

Opening times for police stations across Eastern Division, including Accrington, were altered in September after it was decided that it was no longer cost effective to remain open for 24 hours a day.

But Hyndburn cabbies are afraid that New Years Eve revellers may become aggressive and cause trouble while travelling in their vehicles.

Mohammed Arif, chairman of Hyndburn Taxi Cab Association, said: "The majority of drivers weren't happy when this decision was made because of the approaching holidays and although Christmas was quiet, there tends to be more fighting and trouble on New Year's Eve.

"There were incidents of physical abuse from passengers last New Year, but it was a different story then as drivers knew the police station was open and they could just drive there and report the problem.

"This year they are very anxious and I think the police station doors should be open -- not just for the taxi drivers, but for anyone who may be caught up in trouble that night."

He added that not working on New Year's Eve was not an option for many of the drivers as their livelihoods depend on the extra passenger fares, even though it is risky.

And although crimes in the town centre have been reduced recently, due to high profile policing led by Sergeant Julian Platt and a pub watch scheme which has identified troublemakers, Mr Arif said that the problems for drivers often begin after leaving the centre.

He said: "The police presence is very good in the town centre. But drivers experience problems after leaving the rank and the police station doors being open acted as a safety net for them."

Prior to the doors closing, Mr Arif estimated that at least four visits were made every weekend night to the station.

This included passengers refusing to pay their fare, drivers being assaulted and vandals smashing the taxi windows.

An emergency telephone line is situated outside the station, as with stations in Great Harwood, Clitheroe and Darwen where inquiry desks close early. But drivers have criticised this as a highly impractical alternative.

Inspector Phil Cottam, the inspector in charge at Accrington Police Station was unavailable for comment, but Eastern Division's Inspector John O'Riley said: "There is always a lot more potential for problems on New Year's Eve throughout the division because of the amounts of alcohol consumed, but our resources are targeted to prevent potential disorders.

"I cannot see that Inspector Cottam would open the doors on New Year's Eve but there will be a highly visible presence in the town.

"And even though the doors may be closed at the police station there will be officers there and as soon as the emergency telephone is lifted they know that someone is there and will attend."