Protest over driving test centre's axe

The closure of Kidderminster's driving centre will lead to misery on roads around Dudley, campaigners have warned.

Residents say they are unhappy at learner drivers practicing manoeuvres in the area before taking their tests.

It follow complaints from people in the Kingswinford area, Charterfields Road, Balfour Road and Chillington Drive areas about learner drivers practising along local streets.

Now campaigners trying to retain a driving test centre for Kidderminster have distributed leaflets to homes in the Lower Gornal area warning them of a sharp rise in learner drivers if it is closed.

They plan to take to the streets in a protest drive from Kidderminster Rugby Club at 7.30am tomorrow to Lake Street in Lower Gornal.

So far 40 people have signed up to take part in the convoy which will drive along the test routes used in the Dudley area.

Wyre Forest District councillor Julian Phillips said: "We have warned people in the Dudley area of the sharp rise in tests carried out there if our centre closes."

A spokesman for the Driving Standards Agency, said: "We have not been told of any official protest against the relocation plans."