PLANS to bring rickshaw taxis to the streets of Bolton have been scrapped amid safety fears.

The Town Centre Company has pulled the plug on the service after an investigation revealed mechanical faults with the machines.

Now the transport will not become a permanent fixture in the town, as it was originally intended.

The company had arranged to buy two rickshaws from India after a trial run last summer proved a huge success.

Last year, the reaction from weary shoppers was so favourable that town centre bosses hoped the colourful contraptions would add to existing shopping attractions.

But, after the investigation, the decision was taken to cancel the order and return the rickshaws.

Sponsors of the rickshaws will not be invoiced and there has been no financial loss to The Town Centre Company.

Karen Wheeldon, managing director, said: "Safety is our first priority.

"We were unhappy about the quality of the rickshaws delivered.

"Following discussions with experts and the council's road safety team, we have decided not to go ahead with the project.

"We understand there may be some disappointment for some people who liked seeing the rickshaws on our streets but we are not prepared to take any chances.

"As a responsible organisation we have taken the only action possible in the circumstances.

"At this time, there are no future plans to use rickshaws in the town centre."