'Life saving' taxi hero scheme could come to Bolton

Abdul Javeed helped rescue the man on Spendmore Lane in Coppull earlier this year while driving a customer home to Liverpool in the early hours of the morning of Saturday, March 2.

Now taxi boss Shaz Malik say that this shows the life-saving impact his taxi watch scheme, which he founded and hopes to expand to Bolton, can have.

Mr Malik said: “By saving a life, the programme not only underscores the critical the association play in community safety but also reinforces the idea that collective efforts can lead to profound positive impacts on individuals and society as a whole.”

He added: “This is a reminder of the vital contributions made by everyday heroes and the importance of community initiatives in fostering a safer environment for all.”

Mr Javeed rescued a man from a burning car (Image: Public)

Mr Javeed has now been officially honoured by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for his “quick thinking, professionalism and act of courage.”

He was given a certificate and gifts from Selfridges in recognition of his bravery at an event also attended by Mr Malik and taxi association representatives Mohammed Esa and Rashid Sohail.

Muhammed Esa, Mark Warwick, Abdul Javeed and Shaz Malik (Image: Public)

Mr Malik, owner of 4Sixes Taxis and founder of the Chorley Taxi Association, first founded the taxi watch earlier this year in his hometown of Chorley to involved cabbies in dealing with crime and public safety concerns.

He has long spoken about his plans to expand the scheme into Bolton and says that Mr Javeed’s act of courage is just one example of the role they can play.

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Mr Malik has argued that their local knowledge means that taxi drivers are often the best placed people to recognise where people’s concerns are and how they can be dealt with.

He said that the incident on Spendmore Lane showed how the scheme had already helped save a life.

Mr Malike said he regards saving a life “as one of the most significant and meaningful accomplishments one can attain in their lifetime.”

He said he was glad to see Mr Javeed acknowledged for his actions because they “not only honour the individuals involved but also serve to inspire others within the community.”