Protests over a rise in taxi fares in the Lewes and Seaford area have been rejected.

An inquiry into fares in the Lewes district decided prices struck a fair balance between cabbies and the public.

The inquiry was held after an outcry over fare rises in the district, which includes Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven.

Councillors claimed prices had doubled since meters were introduced in April.

Last year, Lewes District Council's Cabinet agreed taxi firms could set a £2 standing charge for short journeys, plus mileage.

Before the introduction of meters they operated fixed fares under a zoning system.

Amid claims meters had increased the cost of short journeys, hitting the elderly, the decision was the first reviewed under the council's new scrutiny procedure.

The findings have been presented to the Cabinet, which has agreed to retain the system.

The review found there had been an overall rise in fares since April, particularly for longer journeys, but the cost of travelling two miles or less remained about the same and fares for particularly short hops had reduced.

Welcoming the findings, Andy Reohorn, of Premier Cabs in Peacehaven, said: "The feeling in the trade is meters are the fairest way to charge.

"It is fairer to charge by distance so someone who travels 200 yards pays a lot less than someone travelling 20 miles.

"We are 187th on the national league table of fares and, when you consider we are next to Brighton, which comes second, it's clear why we think we are an absolute bargain."

The review said overall price rises should be considered in the light of increased costs motoring.

It was noted taxis in the district had the lowest standing charge in Sussex, the lowest fares for one-mile journeys, second lowest for two miles and fifth lowest for five and ten-mile fares.

The Cabinet made a number of commitments, including an annual review of fares and to begin discussions aimed at limiting the age of licensed vehicles.

Councillor Maureen Messer, one of the councillors who had requested a review, said she was disappointed by the findings.

But she said: "It was the first decision to go through this procedure and was certainly worthwhile and led to more discussion.

"We are looking at other ways to help pensioners."