CABBIES in Darlington have decided to form a committee to tackle the council on a controversial driving test.

Taxi drivers in the town have threatened to take strike action over a £47 Driving Standards Agency test they must pass to get a licence.

They say the test is unnecessary and, in July, cabbie Malcolm Kaye took Darlington Borough Council to Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court over the rule and won.

The authority has appealed against the decision and could face a £50,000 bill if it loses the case in the High Court.

However, 25 taxi drivers from across the town attended a meeting yesterday at the JUC Club, off Gladstone Street, and discussed possible strike action with representatives from Amicus.

However, local taxi driver John Stoddart explained that it was decided to form a committee before any action was taken.

"It was discussed about going on strike over the DSA test, but first we want to get some unity among the drivers from across the town and make sure everyone is behind any action we take.