TAXI drivers claim that racial abuse has got so bad in Swindon that many are considering quitting.

Father-of-three Manjit Singh, 46, just wants to earn his living, but is being plagued by racist jibes and taunts.

Mr Singh said: "A lot of the older drivers are thinking about quitting and getting different jobs in factories, because of the abuse.

"Racism affects people in different ways. I have been called a lot of names but I have always been able to walk away and forget about it. But others can't do that.

"Getting abuse is now part and parcel of being a taxi driver and many people can't handle it.

"It's a dangerous job. We are powerless to stop these people. If you argue with them you risk getting a smacked face," said Mr Singh, a hackney carriage driver for 20 years who is calling on fellow cabbies to make a stand.

"The only real way to eliminate it would be for drivers to refuse to pick up these people," he said.

Tony Johnson, spokesman for Hackney Carriage drivers, said the situation is worrying.

"In Bristol many drivers both white and those of ethnic origin refuse to work at night, because of the abuse.

"It could eventually get as bad in Swindon. Recently an Indian driver radioed a Driver in Distress message. We met the cab at Swin-don station.

"The passenger, who refused to get out before, backed down as soon as he saw the rest of us. No threats were needed.

"Cabbies stick together, It's part of our code."

Peter Simpson, a director of the Link taxi firm, stressed that most of revellers are well mannered, but acknowledged the problem needs tackling.

Jaginder Bassi, director of the Swindon branch of the Commission for Racial Equality, said: "This matter concerns me. I know a number of ethnic minority taxi drivers and they say that they get abused.

"While I obviously have sympathy for the drivers, I would advise them not to take the law into their own hands."

The Commission for Racial Equality can be contacted on 01793 528545.

Insp Bob Markham, community and race relations officer for Swin-don police, said: "I am aware we have had a number of complaints, which amount to racial abuse of taxi drivers.

"It seems drivers along with takeaway workers, are the people who suffer most from abuse of this nature.

"Swindon police take this matter extremely seriously.

"I appeal to anyone who experiences this to contact us straight away, making it clear that they believe it to be hate crime.

"If the matter is urgent, they should dial 999."

Swindon police can be reached on 01793 528111.

Kevin Shoesmith