Leyland's Eco-Cabs opened in July 2009 boasting a fleet of environmentally-friendly cars.
But the phone line has now been taken over by Premier Taxis, which is not connected to Eco-Cabs.

Denise Bibby, of Riversedge Road, Leyland, who works in the exams department at Runshaw College, booked a taxi to pick her up from Manchester Airport earlier this month after a holiday to Gibraltar.

She said: "Out flight was delayed so we were told the driver had gone. They said they sent someone else but they had broken down on the motorway. So they told us, just get another taxi, get a receipt and we will refund the money."

Denise forked out £85 to get home believing she would be reimbursed.

But so far she has not been able to recoup the cash and can't get hold of anyone who is willing to pay her back despite visiting the firm's former base in Longton.

She added: "I've even been round to the drivers' houses. I've been phoning. There was no-one at the office. We have just had a nightmare with them."

And it is believed many more customers were left stranded at the airport and out of pocket.

A spokesman for Premier Taxis said: "The phone number is now owned by Premier Taxis. We've taken over all their jobs. We took the phones over on Monday."

Dean Chapman set the company up to create a low-cost, reliable taxi service.

Mr Chapman could not be contacted and the firm's website has been disabled.Have you been affected? Call Melanie Wallwork on 01772 838 107 or e mail melanie.wallwork@lep.co.uk