A strike planned by taxi drivers in Birmingham this weekend has been called off.

More than 1,000 taxi drivers had planned to hold a continuous strike over the council's decision to turn part of the city into a traffic-free zone.

But the action has been called off after Birmingham City Council agreed to lift some restrictions in place in other parts of the city.

Talks are due to continue next week to resolve the dispute.

Temporary compromise

Secretary of the Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Association Mike Shingler said he was pleased the council was taking the matter so seriously.

He stressed it was a temporary compromise.

Birmingham City Council is banning vehicles, including taxis, from Broad Street to protect the thousands of people who visit its bars, nightclubs and restaurants every weekend.

Under the new proposals, buses will still be allowed to drive down the street but taxis will have to pick up fares from side streets in the area.

The ban will run from 2100 GMT to 0400 GMT on Fridays and Saturdays.