WISBECH taxi driver and councillor Dave Patrick today hit out at the “blatant disregard” of licensing laws by Eastern European mini cab drivers operating in the town.

Cllr Patrick said: “These illegally run, illegally operated businesses no longer just advertise in shop windows. These days they even have business cards distributed and they’re even handed out in garages and shops.”

He has sent this latest ‘business card’ to Fenland Council asking for an investigation.

“This card was amongst other legitimate business cards at the night counter at the BP petrol station,” he said. “It clearly gives his hours of business which appear to be Monday to Thursday from 8am to 11pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 2am.”

He added: “The mobile number is live and is a 02 registered mobile number.”

He urged the council to “assure me that this will be dealt with as a matter of urgency to try and stamp out this illegal trade.

“Where as before advertising seems to have been limited to advertising in shops, this person whose name appears to be Saulius is obviously distributing these cards in order to try and establish a business.”

A council spokesman said: “We share the concerns of legitimate taxi drivers about this issue. We became aware of this latest concern over the weekend and are looking into it. We are working with partners, including the police, on how to tackle the problem and will continue to update the trade at Taxi Forum meetings.”