No strike after taxi driver death

Gian Chand Bajar was found injured in St Benedict's Avenue

The threat of a taxi strike following the death of a driver in north Kent has been averted.

Taxi firm representatives in Gravesend have instead decided to reform and revamp the United Taxi Group to work with police and council officers.

It follows the death last Wednesday of 71-year-old Gian Chand Bajar, who was attacked and then run over with his own vehicle in the town.

A 20-year-old man has appeared in court charged with Mr Bajar's murder.

Taxi drivers met in Gravesend on Monday afternoon to discuss possible strike action and their ongoing concerns after the death of one of their colleagues.

But a pledge was made to co-operate with Gravesham Borough Council and Kent Police over how to keep drivers and passengers safe.

'Powerful voice'

Shane Waterman, spokesman for the United Taxi Group, said: "It is desperately sad that it has taken the murder of a good, honest and hard-working family man to get us all to start what should have begun years ago.

"We extend an offer to all parties... to work with us to achieve the objective we all desire - a friendly, prosperous and, above all, safe borough of Gravesham."

Monday's meeting marked a turnaround from the immediate aftermath of Mr Bajar's death, when taxi drivers criticised police and the council and strike talks began.

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway praised the willingness to co-operate.

"It [the United Taxi Group] should be quite a powerful voice with both the police and the council involved," he said.

The reformed body's first meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.