Bouncers to patrol taxi ranks

The aim is to reduce brawls at taxi ranks

Bouncers will patrol taxi ranks in Nottingham's city centre if a scheme to cut late-night violence goes ahead.

Blackpool has already used the scheme to reduce the number of fights in the city outside bars and clubs.

A group of Nottingham city councillors travelled to Blackpool on a fact-finding mission to find out more about the idea, which was used there over the Christmas and New Year period two years ago.

Tim Coulson from Nottingham City Council said: "We need to talk to traders and pub watch committee to see what they think of this venture, but we were very impressed with the way Blackpool approached this.

"It would be beneficial to the city and stop disorder in the ranks."

Bottle banks

Mr Coulson said taxi drivers themselves are also exposed to violence and vomiting in their cabs.

In another related initiative, clubbers will be asked to put glass bottles in bottle banks directly outside the pubs.

Bob Ridley from Blackpool City Council said taxi ranks are flashpoints for friction after people have had a couple of drinks.

The bouncer scheme could be put into place within six months if everything goes smoothly, Mr Coulson said.