TAXI drivers in Barrow have hit back at town hall "Scrooges" after they were warned not to put festive decorations in their cars.

After a complaint was made to Barrow Borough Council about one taxi, believed to be the car pictured above, taxi drivers have been reminded of the rules in the run-up to Christmas.

Cars must not display any stickers or adverts on their exterior, other than those approved by licensing officers, and lights or bizarre paint schemes are also banned.

Some taxi drivers have accused the council of being Scrooges while others have vowed to continue to spread the Christmas cheer and ignore the rules.

The Evening Mail understands Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock has been made aware of the taxi drivers' complaints.

One taxi driver told us: "This is no doubt somebody in the council who is trying to make a name for themselves with this left leaning political correctness nonsense."

Councillor Tony Callister, the council’s spokesperson for Licensing and Environmental Health, said: “When vehicle licences are granted they are issued with conditions, which the vehicle proprietor must adhere to for the duration of the licence.

"There are conditions relating to signage and advertising which state that bizarre or psychedelic painting colour schemes will not be permitted and the interior and exterior of the vehicle shall at all times be kept in good clean and smart condition.

"Other conditions state that advertising on the bodywork of the vehicle is permitted, subject to approval by the Borough Council but no advertising material must be displayed on windows which must be kept free of any visual obstructions.

"As a result, it is normal practice for vehicle proprietors to be requested to remove any advertising or signage from their licensed vehicles if it has not been approved by the Licensing Regulatory Committee."