TAXI firms in Droitwich could face an uncertain future if they are forced to raise their fares, according to one company boss.

Droitwich taxi drivers believe that their livelihood could be under threat due to changes being proposed by Wychavon District Council.

Paul Rudge runs Blue Door Logistics Ltd. He believes it would be unfair on local people and a big disadvantage for taxi firms if they have to charge the same prices as other taxi operators in surrounding areas.

The increased rate for Hackney Carriage tariffs could come into force due to calls from Evesham operators. The plan would see an increased charge for the first 1,240 metres of the journey.

If no objections are received by the district council's head of environmental health, the new fares will come into force on March 6.

But Mr Rudge says Droitwich firms have always operated differently. "Taxi firms in Droitwich have always been cheap and cheerful. It has been a case for many years of taxis on demand, with drivers doing more jobs for cheaper. It has always been that way," he said

"Droitwich is a small town and so we often charge well under the current meter tariff to compete with places like Worcester, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster, as well as private hire firms in the town. Making us charge the kind of rates that other firms outside of the town charge would be very dangerous to us."

Mr Rudge wants council bosses to understand that Droitwich and Evesham operate completely different working practices.

A spokesman for Wychavon District Council said that even though the charge for the maximum fare could go up, it is still the lowest in the country, and that drivers can still charge as little as they want after the tariff for the first 1,240 metres.