A TAXI company director has had his permit suspended for two years after gaping holes appeared in a cab floor.

Graham Sharp, representing Love Family Taxi Company, was told that he’d not be able to work on Glasgow’s roads after his vehicle failed two inspections.

He was called by licensing chiefs to explain why his 14-year-old taxi had gaping holes in its floor and wheel arch.

It was found that a cowboy mechanic had carried out sub-standard repairs when council inspectors were able to knock through the floor with light instruments.

When asked if he had considered buying a new cab, Mr Sharp said: “I’m looking to have my car refurbished in the next year.

“The fellow that does work for me assured me that the work was done.”

Mr Sharp said he took his car for a pre-inspection. He claimed that when he took it to the council there were no holes in the car.

But when he got it back the holes had appeared.

Officers confirmed there were no holes on the vehicle when it was received for inspection.

But the council mechanics found that repairs to the corroded wheel arch and floor within the car, carried out previously, were “sub-standard”.

It was found that fibreglass had been used to patch up holes in the vehicle, instead of welding the floor and arch into place.

Appealing for the Licensing Committee to be lenient in any suspension, Mr Sharp said: “I really need my job and it’s my livelihood at stake here.”

Committee chairman Alex Wilson said: “I’m looking at pictures of the vehicle and there is significant corrosion and damage within the vehicle.

“It has failed two inspections. You are constantly having to go back and do work on it.

“It’s worrying that all this has only been picked up after inspection. It doesn’t look satisfactory.”

John Kane added: “It’s your responsibility that your car is maintained to a standard that makes it safe to transport people.”

Mr Sharp’s licence was suspended until November 2020, when he will have to apply for another permit.