CLUBBERS could be stranded as Newport cabbies threaten strike action over plans to make them have London-style taxis.

Newport council, the licensing authority, has a six-year timetable for introducing changes which involve existing taxis being painted black or newly-purchased vehicles having to be London-type 'black' cabs.

But Chris Stone, pictured, chairman of the relaunched Newport Drivers Association, said this could mean cabbies spending a minimum of £25,000 on a new vehicle sooner rather than later.

Cabbies say they will talk to Newport council about the issue - but are prepared to stage a Saturday night strike if they are not satisfied with the outcome.

"We want to talk to the council about this before we do anything," he said. "We are prepared to see what happens.

"But we retain all the bullets and if we get no joy I will pull the men off the street."

Since June, a licensed cabbie wanting to change a vehicle has been obliged to buy a London-style cab - black or another colour approved by the council.

However, the council will re-license existing Newport cabs registered before the June cut-off date. So cabbies can continue relicensing until 2007 - with the proviso that after 2003 the vehicles must be black.

The changes are necessary under a new law which, among other things, ensures that eventually all taxis will be accessible to wheelchair users.

But the council says it has introduced its system of changes after consultation.

The Newport Drivers Association has been reconstituted under its old name, with new officers and additional members.

"We have just reorganised with a new lot of members and are in the process of informing the council of the membership and asking them to arrange a meeting to discuss these issues," said Mr Stone.

The Association claims to represent more than 30 per cent of Newport's cabbies. In the past, other 'independent' driver-owners with no affiliation have often felt the same way about issues involving taxi operation and the licensing authority In recent years these have included the 'poaching' of ad hoc customers by private hire vehicles from neighbouring towns and the safety and security of drivers late at night.