TAXI drivers in Darlington say they are being driven out of the town centre by the borough council.

They are angry at not being allowed to use a taxi rank on East Row when there are special events in the Market Place.

They have been told that they will have to park elsewhere when events such as an open air concert to be staged on July 6, are held.

But the drivers say it is a ploy to force them out of the town centre.

Mick Kennedy, chairman of the Darlington Independent Taxi Traders Organisation, said: "We have been told that we will not be able to use the East Row rank at the times when we make most of our money. This rank is the biggest in the town and we have not been given any alternatives."

The East Row rank can accommodate 18 taxis.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said the rank will have to be closed during special events for the safety of the public.

"There are still ranks at Tubwell and Priestgate, which are only 100 yards from East Row. If there is a problem with the amount of vehicles, they will be able to park up in any of the town car parks and feed into the taxi spaces when they become available," he said.