INSPECTORS have discovered that more than a third of taxis in Stockton are too dangerous to be on the road.

Safety checks by Cleveland police, the Vehicle Inspectorate and Stockton Borough Council's licensing enforcement officers found that 75 per cent of taxis examined did not comply with licensing conditions. They also found that 39 per cent of cars were in such poor repair that the Vehicle Inspectorate prohibited their use immediately. David Kitching, the council's trading standards and licensing manager, said: "Areas of non-compliance ranged from not carrying fire extinguishers or first aid kits, to more serious problems such as defective tyres, suspension and dangerous fuel leaks. "Operators who allow vehicles to be used on the road in this condition risk losing their licences and will be prevented from trading."

CONCERTS PLANNED: The Billingham Training Band and Billingham Jazz Ensemble will perform at Stockton's Bede College, at 7.30pm on Tuesday. Next Friday, the Tees Valley Youth Wind Orchestra will perform at Ian Ramsey School, Stockton, at 7.15pm. On December 16, Stockton Junior Voices and Tees Valley Youth Brass Band will perform at St Mark's Church, Thornaby, at 7pm.

TIME TO XPLORE: A holiday programme is being organised for children in Stockton next Easter. Xplore will provide holiday activities for youngsters aged three to 16. For information, call sports development officer Claire Tennyson, on (01642) 358536.

GIFT APPEAL: Travelcare travel agents, in the Cleveland Centre, Middlesbrough, is collecting Christmas presents for youngsters at Butterwick Hospice. Presents should be handed in at the shop before December 18.

FLEA MARKET: A flea market will be held at Saltburn Community Centre on Saturday, December 14, from 10am to 4pm. Proceeds will go to East Cleveland Lourdes.

ROADWORK DELAYS: Temporary traffic lights have been set up on the A1085 at its junction with the A1042 at Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar, for drainage repairs.