Test centre is safe for now

WISBECH Driving Test Centre has been saved, at least for the the time being, after plans for a new multi purpose test centre in King s Lynn were rejected by planners. The centre had been earmarked by the Department of Transport as one of 70 across the co

WISBECH Driving Test Centre has been saved, at least for the the time being, after plans for a new multi purpose test centre in King's Lynn were rejected by planners.

The centre had been earmarked by the Department of Transport as one of 70 across the country for closure, to be replaced by a 'supersize' centre at King's Lynn which was planned by the Driving Standards Agency.

But West Norfolk Borough Council's development control board overwhelmingly objected to the plans, despite the planning case officer recommending approval.

Members agreed with protesters about the extra traffic that would be created by learner drivers.

Tony Lucas, secretary of Wisbech and District Driving Instructors Association, said: "This particular issue may be won but the future of the Wisbech Driving Test Centre is still far from assured."

The decision came as a relief to instructors, who had gathered more than 6,000 signatures objecting to the proposals.

Mr Lucas said: "We have been delighted with the support of the public, local MPs and the intervention of Borough Councillors Vivienne Spikings (Councillor for Upwell and Delph) and Charles Joyce, who both had the application reported to the board, and Margaret Wilkinson, who spoke in support of the objection."

Mr Lucas added that driving instructors associations have already asked the DSA to think carefully before making its next decision in relation to the multipurpose test centre project and the future of Wisbech Driving Test Centre, urging it to work with instructors to seek a solution.