PARENTS often feel they are just a taxi service but a Bromyard man says it has gone one step further.

Nicholas Cronin, of Maple Close, got a letter from Herefordshire Council's licensing department threatening him with a £1,000 fine.

It said the council had received information indicating he was operating an unlicensed taxi service.

Mr Cronin immediately replied protesting at the "offensive" tone of the letter, and demanding a full apology.

The council replied that an unnamed complainant had reported seeing Mr Cronin's car picking up and dropping off groups of people at several locations in the town.

Since then he has heard nothing and has written again with his demand for an apology.

He said: "My partner has a daughter who does not drive, but who still goes out for a drink at night and who telephones for a lift.

"My partner goes to pick her up, and occasionally some of her friends at the same time. This, surely is what any responsible and caring parent would do. The council obviously has no foundation for its allegations but they won't back down and say sorry."

Andrew Tector, head of environmental health and trading standards, said: "We have to investigate many allegations and sometimes the local authority does not get it right

"If Mr Cronin feels the letter is offensive then I apologise."