REVELLERS leaving Warrington on weekends could be encouraged by a new scheme to increase the number of taxis working in the town.

Councillors will meet on Monday night to discuss a plan to introduce extra taxis on the streets of the borough.

Currently the town has only 109 taxis and both council and police chiefs believe that by increasing the number of vehicles on the streets, it could reduce trouble in the town centre.

The town has been criticised by Government inspectors not just for the low number of cabs - but also for how this compares poorly with neighbouring towns.

Barry Eaton, passenger transport co-ordinator, said Warrington had 109 taxis and a population of 192,000 whereas Halton had 267 taxis for just 118,000 people.

He added: "The ability to move people away from the town centre at this time of night, or early morning reduces the possibility of trouble, especially for people waiting at taxi ranks.

"If the fleet of vehicles operating at these times had a greater capacity this would help fulfil the wishes of the police."

He added that both the police and the council think taxis play an important part in getting people home.

The move, should it be approved at a meeting of the full council on Monday night, will see 15 new plates issued every year with a review in two years time.