A HAZLEMERE couple have set up a taxi company after realising there was a need for it in the village.

Paul Tyler and Alison Holmes moved to the village a year ago and say they noticed there was a distinct lack of taxis and private hire vehicles.

So two weeks ago they launched Hazlemere Private Hire and now offer a service aimed at residents of Hazlemere and outlying villages.

Paul said: "If you want to go out and both of you would like to have a drink then it can become quite expensive when you have to start having to get cabs from other places."

They carried out market research and asked local people whether or not they would like a local service and what they most wanted from a private hire firm.

Alison said: "Of the many comments that were made, the most common were the issues of safety, price, punctuality and what type of vehicle it was."

The couple then invested in a Peugeot 806 as a starter vehicle and the company is fully licensed by Wycombe District Council.

Paul added: "Being a private hire form we do not tout for business on the streets and all our business comes from bookings.

"We feel this is the best way as we have more contact with the customer and will hopefully be able to build up a regular client database."

For more information on the company, which can also do weddings and airport runs, or to make a booking, call Hazlemere Private Hire on 01494 818989. A discount is also offered for OAPs.