AN investigation has been launched after Bolton Council received reports that some taxi drivers in the town are refusing to carry guide dogs.

Craig Slater, who has been blind since birth, has complained to the council after being refused rides from drivers on several occasions because of his guide dog.

The 28-year-old says that taxi drivers often drive past without stopping or refuse to let him in when they see his dog.

It is illegal for any taxi driver to not take a blind person and their guide dog unless they have a medical exception certificate for an allergy.

Some drivers have told Mr Slater, of Tarvin Walk, Halliwell, they are scared of dogs while others give no reason at all.

He said: "I just want people to realise as it is actually against the law. I want the council to take it more seriously.

"One time after it happened, I came back to my flat and I was thinking, this is why a lot of people are put off from having a guide dog.

"I got this guide dog to be more independent and to be able to get out, but obviously this is not helping.

"People need to know what the law is."

Nick Astley, the boss of Bolton's biggest taxi firm, Metro Taxis, said he would "come down like a tonne of bricks" on any driver found to not allow blind people with guide dogs into their taxi.

He said the law on guide dogs in taxis needed to be highlighted more before drivers are awarded their private hire driver licence.

He said: "There doesn't seem to be enough awareness with drivers that they have to pick up guide dogs.

"It is quite clear to me that you help someone who is blind — it goes without saying.

"We would take very strong action if we found out that any of our drivers were not taking guide dogs."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We have received a complaint from Mr Slater and we are investigating it."