TAXI drivers have declared parts of Gillingham no-go areas after repeated attacks on them and their vehicles.

Robbery, assault and abuse from youngsters are on the rise and drivers have had enough.

The intimidation has left some of them so afraid they are refusing jobs in problem areas Knight Avenue, Beatty Avenue and Parr Avenue are particular trouble spots.

In the past three months, yobs have attacked drivers, vandalised cabs, stolen cash and run off without paying. Three attacks took place in January.

One driver, who asked not to be named for fear of repercussions, said: "We are trying to earn our bread and butter but we can't. If you know you're not going to be safe at work, you don't go."

Sergeant Kaye Braybrook, of Medway police, said: "There is a dedicated team who cover Medway and in addition a patrol which covers a smaller area which would include Knight Avenue, Parr Avenue and Beatty Avenue.

"If there are a lot of calls to areas such as these we will send extra cover and patrols as necessary."