TAXI drivers are ready and waiting to lend a hand to those in need during the coronavirus crisis.

That is according to a cabbie in Barrow who says with taxi work drying up, drivers could be repurposed to deliver essential items to those living in lockdown.

George Harkin, who works for firm A1, says drivers like him want to do their bit to help save lives.

“We have an army of licensed taxi drivers with little or no work who are self employed who have been given next to zero reassurance from government about help with their financial crisis," said Mr Harkin.

“This army of drivers need work and could have financial reward for their services if the Government wish to do so.

“Can the Government start to use the army of taxi drivers up and down the country who know their geographical areas and their communities, to deliver the food and essential parcels to the millions of people who have to be in lock down to stand any chance of being alive at the end of this pandemic?

“Please can we have reasonable reassurances and support during this difficult time so we taxi drivers can lend a hand to support our government and the public of which we serve well. Taxi drivers are seen as a special emergency service to many year-in year-out. I believe the great British public will agree.

“Let us help deliver to save lives.”

Taxi drivers in Barrow are facing huge drop-offs in business following the closure of pubs and restaurants.

One driver, John McDonald, said his takings had taken a huge hit.

“I worked a 12-hour shift and I only made a tenner,” he said.

The 65-year-old said he would carry on driving despite suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that puts him among the group of people classed by the Government as vulnerable.

The Mail understand Barrow Council has told taxi drivers who are struggling to pay fees to renew their licences, that they may be able to take part payments and defer the rest to a later date.