TAXI drivers have warned that Uber is set for a fiery welcome from existing cab firms when it starts operating in Lewes.

The app-based company has been granted a licence by councillors though Uber has said it is too early to say when it will start working in the town.

The company’s arrival in Brighton and Hove in October was met with strong opposition from city taxi firms and Lewes drivers have warned of a similar reaction.

Uber is already operating in more than 20 UK towns and cities and has been granted more than 60 operator licences since first becoming established in London more than four years ago.

An application for a one- year private hire operator’s licence was submitted by Uber Britannia UK to Lewes District Council in November and agreed earlier this month.

In their report, council officers warned the application was likely to cause concern to existing taxi companies in the Lewes district because the ways in which Uber works are different from current practices.

In Brighton and Hove, the firm was given a licence on the condition that it used drivers licensed in the city but Lewes District Council’s licensing committee has granted one without similar special conditions.

The appearance of Uber drivers from elsewhere in the country in Brighton and Hove and alleged licence breaches, including attempts to pick up customers from taxi ranks, have led to confrontations between Uber and hackney carriage drivers.

Sam Hasan, of Lewes Station Cars, said: “I’m sure Uber’s arrival will be met with some animosity. One extra driver means taking one extra job away for someone else.

“I think there is going to be an impact on the companies that operate in the evenings from pubs and clubs and who do the short-term journeys but I know there are Lewes taxi drivers who are signing up to Uber to see how it goes.

“I think one of the main things is how it’s going to be legislated but as long as the requirements are met then I absolutely believe that competition is a good thing and that customers will only come back if they receive a good service.”

An Uber spokeswoman said setting up an operation in Lewes was still at a very early stage with no confirmed dates when it would start in the town.

She added: “Uber has already proved popular in Brighton and more than 25 town and cities across the UK and we look forward to offering a safe and affordable option for people in Lewes.

“This licence also means we’re able to open the app to Lewes licensed private-hire drivers who want to use Uber to become their own boss – choosing when and where they want to drive.”