Bolton, Bust up.

CLEAR-the-air talks between drivers and the town’s biggest private hire operator over taxi fares descended into chaos with police being called.

Metro bosses met hundreds of drivers at the Excellency banqueting suite in Lower Bridgeman Street on Tuesday night.

But as the meeting drew to a close, with a vote over higher fares, a scuffle broke out with chairs also allegedly being thrown.

Nick Astley, Metro owner, said: "We arranged the meeting, providing food and drinks for drivers, to resolve issues they face.

"It is with regret that I and Norma Astley feel the need to publicly apologise to the Excellency and its customers for the disgraceful behaviour by a handful of the 250 drivers.

"The meeting started in an optimistic and well-organised manner but very quickly got out of control when one driver instigated unrest amongst the others, which resulted in one of the drivers lunging a chair towards the table where Norma was sitting.

"Further fighting broke out with more chairs thrown. The meeting was then disbanded."

Usman Ahmed, a spokesman for Bolton Private Hire Association, said there were about 300 drivers at the meeting. He added: "Drivers were asked to indicate their opinion on higher fares by standing on one side of the hall or the other.

"Hundreds stood on the association’s side, saying they wanted the fares increased. Only about 20 people stood on the other side in favour of Metro.

"Negotiations were then held off-microphone between Metro and the association. Just as an agreement was to be read out, a couple of men got on the stage and started shouting and swearing through the microphone. Then fighting broke out.

"So the decision was never read out.

"Now we’re holding talks again."

Mr Astley Metro had also given free rental periods to forge better working relationships with drivers.


http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10643332.Furious_taxi_drivers__fight_and_throw
_chairs__as_Metro_fare_row_talks_descend_into_chaos/