ONE of the world's biggest taxi companies will be operating in tandem with an Oswestry firm after launching a 'local' service.

Uber announced the launch of Local Cab in Oswestry, which gives passengers the option to book trips with a local operator via the Uber app on Tuesday.

Anyone opening the Uber app in the town can select the Local Cab option, alongside regular Uber-operated options UberX and UberXL.

Local taxi trips will be passed to Oswestry operator Oswestry Cars to fulfil, and all subsequent support will be provided by them.

The arrival of Uber’s new Local Cab product in Oswestry follows a series of previous launches in towns and cities across the UK, including in nearby Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

Matt Young, director at Oswestry Cars, said they were excited by the link up with Uber and says it will make getting a taxi easier in the town.

He said: “We look forward to making Local Cab available to the people of Oswestry.

"We feel that now, more than ever, a product like Local Cab is needed – with demand for taxis continuing to rise and passengers in need of more options.”

“We’re making it quicker and easier for people to get around Oswestry, connecting more passengers with taxi drivers via the Uber app.

"The partnership is also enabling us to provide further job opportunities to our drivers.”

Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK, also welcomed the partnership, and added that more towns will be joining Oswestry in future.

He said: “Oswestry will be among the first towns in England where riders can access both UberX and Local Cab in the same app.

"This will help maximise earnings opportunities for drivers while giving passengers in Oswestry more choice, meaning that everyone will benefit.

"We’re looking forward to launching Local Cab in more UK towns and cities soon."