TAXI and private hire drivers may be forced to take guide dogs in their vehicles under new rules being drawn up by Bolton Council.

The move comes after the Bolton Evening News brought the plight of a blind woman to the attention of licensing officers.

Michelle Chadwick and her friend were left stranded at Morrisons store, Chorley Old Road earlier this month by a Red Line private hire driver who refused to take her guide dog.

Michelle, who has had golden labrador guide dog Kasey for five years, and friend Rachel Smith were only saved from waiting for another taxi by a couple of 'Good Samaritans' who offered to take them home.

Now Bolton Council officials are planning to draw up new rules for private hire and hackney carriage drivers which would mean they could face losing their licence if they turn down carrying a guide dog.

Principal trading standards officer Andrew Fisher, who is currently reviewing licensing conditions said: "Having had this brought to my attention, clearly there is a situation which needs to be looked at."

Michelle, 30, from Allen Street, Radcliffe said: "I have come across it a few times. It is very frustrating but this is the first time I have had a problem in Bolton."

Michelle claims the Red Line driver told her that he didn't want dog hairs in his car and she says he did not give her long enough to explain that Kasey is trained to lie in the footwell so would not leave hairs on seats.

The BEN contacted several local private hire an taxi firms and all said that they hoped their drivers would take guide dogs.

Chris Farrell, who owns 28 Telecars vehicles says all his drivers accept dogs in the cars but he could understand why some self employed drivers who own their own vehicles might not want to carry dogs.

"If it is your personal car and someone brings a dog into it then you might have to have it valeted," he said.

Bill Perry, from Atlas Taxis said the possibility of having to clean a car after a dog has been in it is something drivers have to put up with and are aware of when they start the job.

And ABA Private Hire manager Salim Atcha says most of his drivers would carry a guide dog and he doesn't know of any occasion when one has been refused.

Mr Fisher says he now plans to include a proposal to make carrying guide dogs compulsory in updated licensing conditions due to be considered by councillors within the next few months.

The move had been welcomed by Peter Barker, manager of the Royal National Institute for the Blind's joint mobility unit. No one was available from Red Line to comment.

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