TAXI drivers are to be given special training on how to spot terrorists.

Bury Council leaders want to teach cabbies how to spot suspicious activity and councillors and officers are mulling over the right approach.

Cllr David Jones, who chairs the council's licensing panel, said that, while some councils had simply issued leaflets and letters, he favours a classroom-style approach.

"That certainly is the kind of idea I would want to err towards, rather than just sending out a leaflet," said Cllr Jones.

He added: "The idea is that we make drivers aware of things like suspicious suitcases left in public areas, that kind of thing.

"One idea is that, when drivers renew their badges, they would be required to actually sit down for half an hour in a classroom-type setting and learn in front of a chalkboard."

There is also a desire to teach drivers about preventing child sexual exploitation by, for example, encouraging them to report an instance where a young, vulnerable passenger hails a cab late at night and is visibly distressed or showing signs of abuse.

However, not everyone has fully backed the idea, as critics claim it should not be up to cabbies to police the streets.

Charles Oakes is the president of the Hackney Drivers Association, which represents hundreds of black-cab drivers in Bury, Bolton and Burnley.

He said: "It is common sense that taxi drivers or anyone else would report suitcases left in bus stations and what have you, so why do they need to go on a course?

"In many ways, taxi drivers are treated by public officials as social workers and this is just another example.

"I don't see why taxi drivers have to be required to do the job of police."

Mr Oakes praised Manchester City Council's approach. Its leaders issued a booklet to the city's 6,000 drivers providing advice on a range of safeguarding issues, what action they can take and where they can report concerns.

He expressed concern that some councils had charged taxi drivers for lessons.

"Everyone wants to prevent terrorism and child sexual exploitation, but it would be unfair if Bury drivers are asked to pay for the lessons when they already face enough financial pressures as they try to earn a living," said Mr Oakes.

Cllr Jones and legal representatives of the council have discussed the issue at a meeting with taxi drivers.

The issue could be discussed at tonight’s meeting of Bury Licensing and Safety Panel, at the town hall at 7pm.