BLACK cab drivers are set to be balloted on an all-out strike.

Members of the Bolton Hackney Association will meet on Tuesday, October 5, to discuss industrial action in protest at a mini cab firm opening a sub-office in Bolton's biggest nightclub.

Chairman Charles Oakes is confident they will back his call for strike action to oppose the link-up between Ikon and Rapid Private Hire, both based on St George's Road.

He believes the scheme will result in a loss of trade for his members and claims that mini-cabs will not be able to cope with the demand, putting the public at risk as they queue on pavements for a ride home.

The ballot has been described as "idiotic" by the chairman of the rival Bolton Taxi Drivers' Association, Bill Williams, who said cabbies would not back the call to strike.

But Mr Oakes feels they are ready to make a stand.

He said: "The mood among my members is that unless some action is taken to stop this kind of thing then there will be some kind of industrial action."

"We feel that mini-cabs cannot cope with this kind of operation and it should be stopped on public safety grounds."

Mr Oakes claims to represent 70 of the borough's 110 tax drivers.

But Mr Williams said: "I have spoken to his members and they will not strike.

"It would be damaging to the industry in the run up to Christmas."

A number of links have been forged between private hire firms and town centre bars in recent years - including Life Bar, J2 and Chicago Rock.

Asif Vali, owner of Rapid Private Hire and chairman of the Bolton Private Hire Association, said the link-up had been effective in getting people home safely at closing time.

He said: "There are 1,500 private hire cars on the road so the effect on pub and club goers will be minimal.

"The black cab drivers I am speaking to tell me they do not back this type of action."