MEMBERS of Bolton Taxi Drivers' Association are concerned about the future of their group if plans for a second association go ahead.

The association has acted on behalf of local Hackney carriage drivers since 1982 and is well established.

There are now fears of a breakaway, with a small group of former members attempting to set up their own association in direct competition with the BTDA.

BTDA members fear that two associations representing such a small group would make negotiations with Bolton Council more difficult.

Secretary Charles Oakes said: "There are only about 110 drivers in the town and there isn't room for two associations.

"We've worked very hard to get this group to the position it is in now and having a second association would create big problems for us.

"We aim to deal with problems drivers encounter on the job, for example non-paying of fares and property damage."

"To start splitting the group would create conflict -- obviously the group with most members would be most likely to get their way. The only way it could work is if all members of our group were to join the new one but I can't see that happening. It is counter-productive for the trade."