A man was left seriously injured after a suspected drive-by shooting in broad daylight on Thursday 17 January.

The incident occurred around 12:15pm on Shaw Road in the Derker area of Oldham.

According to police, the victim was exiting a taxi when a gunman on a motorbike opened fire. The suspect then fled the scene.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, quickly responded. Armed police descended upon the area, arresting a 19-year-old man in connection with the shooting.

A large police cordon was established, encompassing Shaw Road and several surrounding streets. The red Kia taxi was found within one of the cordons.

Local residents expressed concern and a lack of surprise, citing ongoing issues in the area.

"There's always stuff going on here," one resident told the Manchester Evening News.

"It's a bad place to live this. It's one of the worst estates to live on. This has happened, it's not going to stop. The police do nothing about it."

Superintendent Phil Hutchinson of Greater Manchester Police acknowledged the community's shock but emphasised that firearms discharges are at their lowest in the region.

He urged residents to cooperate with the investigation and report any information.

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A consultation with taxi drivers relating to CCTV systems being fitted in licensed vehicles has ended.

The council’s licensing officers were successful in their bid to the government’s Transport Innovation Fund, paving the way for free-of-charge cameras to be fitted in order to boost safety for both drivers and passengers.

A ten-week consultation began in October and came to an end last week.

Ruling cabinet members are expected to meet on March 5 to discuss the consultation’s responses.

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A woman has been fined £500 and banned from licensed premises for six months after a series of alcohol-related incidents, including failing to pay for a taxi and public intoxication.

Jennifer Anne Cowie, 40, appeared before magistrates on Tuesday, 14 January, where she admitted to the offences.

The court heard that on 24 August, police were called to Lheannag Park following reports of a disturbance. Cowie was found "stumbling around" and "nearly falling over," shouting abuse at neighbours and kicking their doors. She was taken to Noble's Hospital for treatment and subsequently charged with being found drunk in a public place.

On Boxing Day, police were again called to an incident, this time on Demesne Road. Cowie was found slouched over a wheelie bin, slurring her words and smelling strongly of alcohol.

A taxi driver testified that he had picked up Cowie and stated that she had assured him her brother would be paying the fare. However, after dropping her off at the Rosemount pub, Cowie disappeared inside and never returned.

When interviewed by police, Cowie initially denied taking a taxi and claimed she had no recollection of the incident.

Magistrates imposed fines of £150 for being drunk in public, £100 for obtaining services without payment (the taxi fare), and £250 for being drunk and incapable.

Cowie was also ordered to pay costs at a rate of £10 per week. The six-month licensing ban prohibits her from entering licensed premises and purchasing or being supplied with alcohol.

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A debate took place in Glasgow over a potential cap on the number of taxis and private hire cars, with business leaders and ride-hailing companies urging its removal to boost the night-time economy, while a drivers' group warns of a potential "flood" of vehicles and a decline in driver earnings.

The current policy limits the number of licensed vehicles in the city to 3,450 which has meant over 680 bids for private hire car licences, from May to the end of 2024, have been rejected.

The policy was last reviewed in 2023, when Glasgow’s licensing committee agreed to make 255 more private hire car licences available to address demand at busy times. However, recent reports by a market research agency and Glasgow Caledonian University's Moffat Centre, commissioned by the council, indicated “the late night city centre economy continues to face a number of post-covid challenges”.

The vehicle restriction has been challenged by businesses and companies such as Uber. They argue the cap stifles growth, limits passenger choice, and discourages late-night visitors.

"A vibrant night-time economy is crucial to our recovery," stated Stuart Patrick, CEO of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, emphasising that the cap "is actively deterring people from coming to town."

Uber echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for increased driver earnings and improved passenger options. "Scrapping the cap would support local businesses, particularly in the night-time economy," an Uber spokesperson said.

However, the Scottish Private Hire Association (SPHA) vehemently opposes the removal of the cap, fearing it would lead to oversaturation and a "race to the bottom" for drivers.

"Massive firms, like Uber, would flood the market," warned Eddie Grice, SPHA General Secretary. "Driver earnings would plummet, inevitably leading to drivers being forced to work more and more hours on the road which in turn gives rise to public safety concerns."

The debate comes as Glasgow City Council's licensing committee considers a potential overhaul of the policy.

While acknowledging the concerns of businesses, committee chair Alex Wilson expressed reluctance to remove the cap entirely.

He stated that feedback from the trade has suggested there are currently enough cars, but drivers are choosing not to work at peak times.

He believes firms should incentivise their drivers to work at these times, which include weekend evenings, adding: “I think the cap has worked well and it is keeping the market competitive.” 

On Wednesday 15 January, the council agreed to conduct a public consultation on the issue, seeking input from all stakeholders.

The outcome of this consultation will ultimately determine whether the city will maintain, adjust, or abolish the existing cap on taxi and private hire vehicles.

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