MOST council meetings are open to the public but, as anyone who has ever found themselves at one, it's normally just a handful of people and a lone reporter who turn out to engage in this part of the democratic process.

So when around 150 people flood the public gallery, you know something must be up.

Worcester's taxi drivers arrived en masse at the licensing and environmental health committee on Monday to make their feelings known.

They say they are struggling with trade because drivers from outside the city are increasingly coming in to pick up fares.

They believe this is unfair because this city holds drivers to more exacting standards, which they argue cost more to meet, than other areas.

On top of this, they feel a new idea for all Worcester cabs to look the same is heaping more pressure and expense upon them.

It is reassuring that our city councillors have these high standards.

But surely a compromise, like at least help to pay for the livery, could be found?

Isn't it only only fair to listen when people turn up?