LICENSING chiefs in Barrow have made a U-turn on plans to ban England flags from taxis after drivers hit out at the decision.

Ahead of the World Cup, bosses at Barrow Council contacted Furness Taxi Trade Association and private hire operators advising drivers not to attach flags to their vehicles as they "put public safety at risk".

Taxi drivers in the borough slammed the decision as "dreadful" and "unpatriotic" and said those who choose to support England should not be singled out.

One Barrow taxi driver said: "I am not a fanatic football fan, but flying a flag every four years should not matter, we are still providing a service."

But as pressure mounted on the council, bosses decided to make a U-turn on the ban.

Bob Mullen, a representative of Furness Taxi Trade Association, said: "We should be able to support our national team.

"I have never known flags cause a safety issue.

"I think it is very good the council has made a U-turn on the ban.

"I don't think the council wants negative publicity again.

"It is nice to see common sense prevailing - as long as no one goes over the top."

This is the second time council bosses have tried to ban England flags from taxis in Barrow.

Ahead of the last World Cup in 2014, cabbies were warned they would face enforcement action if they were caught with flags on display as they were seen to "contravene vehicle safety conditions".

Dalton councillor Gordon Murray, who is also a taxi driver with Dalton Cars, said: "It is dreadful if we are not able to fly our national flag.

"If the flags were restricted for safety, then the council did right. But two small flags shouldn't be a risk".

Cllr Tony Callister, the chairman of Barrow Council's licensing regulatory committee, reissued advice to taxi drivers yesterday via email.

He said: "Historically, the council has recommended that licensed vehicles do not affix flags to the exterior, and that any internal flags do not obscure the drivers view.

"Additionally, there are licence conditions that require the vehicle to be in a good clean and smart condition and windows must be kept free of any visual obstructions.

"Taxi drivers should be mindful of these during the World Cup.

"Should they wish to fly one or two flags, they may do so, but in doing so, must not put public safety at risk."