A PENSIONER is trying to rally Worcester people into protesting outside the Guildhall if taxi drivers get financial help with CCTV.

Donald Goodyear wants the city council to do a u-turn over a proposal to pay for cameras in cabs.

As the Worcester News reported last week, the authority is meeting with the Worcester Taxi Drivers Association (WTDA) to consider providing financial help for CCTV installation.

Mr Goodyear has threatened to hold a protest on behalf of Worcester council taxpayers if the idea gets the go-ahead.

"I'm very upset about taxi drivers possibly getting money for CCTV in their cars and think it's a waste of our council tax money," said the 76-year-old, of Whites Road, St John's, Worcester.

"If it happens I am prepared to protest against the council - why should we pay for something that is a private security issue? Shops in Worcester pay for their own security, so I don't see why taxi drivers should get help with CCTV.

"I lot of rate payers will be very upset about this. I don't like the idea at all. Private homes pay for their own security, and shops."

As previously reported in the Worcester News, cabbies went on strike a fortnight ago to protest about recent attacks on drivers.

Some drivers blamed the city council for creating unrest after a report said two in five taxis are unsafe. The city council is still trying to thrash out a deal with the WTDA about how much it would put towards the scheme.

Leader Councillor Simon Geraghty said: "I am not against the principle of using community money to improve public safety.

"I realise public money should be properly used, and there is a balance to be struck. I want to look at what other councils are doing before we make a decision, but I am not against the principle of it."