A TAXI firm has been accused of misleading the public in online adverts.

Several ads posted on social media by Acacia raised concerns the firm was attempting to copy other Barrow taxi companies.

The firm had posted notices urging passengers to call numbers almost identical to other firms, which would redirect to the Acacia taxi office.

A number of taxi companies in Barrow have hit out at Acacia for the adverts, including Street Cars and the newly-formed Furness Taxis.

Officers from Cumbria Trading Standards have told the company to stop posting adverts drawing comparisons to other firms following complaints about potentially misleading information.

Many of the posts have now been changed to make it clear they are advertising Acacia services.

In one post on Acacia’s Facebook page, the firm listed its number as 01229 838 838, similar to 01229 838383, the number for A1 Taxis.

Another post listed Acacia as ‘Street Cars Ltd’.

A spokesman for Street Cars said: “We’d just to like to make it clear that is nothing to do with Street Cars and is a clear misrepresentation from Acacia Taxis.

“It’s disappointing they seem to have attempted to con the public and take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to boost their business in this manner.

“This pandemic that has affected so many and cost so many lives in the area and we would hope all operators in the trade would be able to act responsibly and reasonably during these difficult times.

George Harkin, who recently launched Furness Taxis, said: “We are growing the business day by day because we have the public’s support however please ensure you are not fooled by other taxi firms who are trying to fool the public by mimicking our name and phone number.

“The public have a right to know they are being fooled.”

Cumbria Trading Standards confirmed Acacia had been told to stop posting the adverts.

A spokesman said: “Cumbria Trading Standards has received a complaint regarding a local taxi firm and potential misleading information displayed online.

“Officers have spoken to the firm and provided relevant guidance, and the firm has ceased posting any further misinformation.”

Councillor Tony Callister, Barrow Borough Council spokesperson for licensing and public protection, said: “We received a complaint about a local taxi firm in relation to their marketing activity.

“As this is not a licensing matter we are unable to take any further action.”

Several taxi firms stopped operating when lockdown measures were introduced at the end of March but a number of companies have now reopened and resumed service.

Acacia Taxis has an office in Barrow's Crellin Street.

The Mail tried to contact Acacia but received no response to requests for comment.