THE loss of Nelson’s Driving Test centre could prove to become ‘awkward’ and difficult’ if plans to move it went ahead, it has been claimed.

The building in Cobden Street has been branded and unsuitable and out of date by the Driving Vehicle Standards Authority, (DVSA) who manage the building.

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It was decided that the centre was to be moved by the DVSA to offer improved facilities for learners and their instructors.

Andrew Stephenson, Pendle’s MP, said he fears the centre could be moved from Nelson.

He said: “The Nelson driving test centre will be familiar to everyone who learnt to drive there and there is a reluctance from the local community to it being moved.

“My worry is that the driving test centre will be moved out of Pendle, which would be inconvenient for learner drivers from the area.

“I am pushing for it to stay in Nelson and I will be meeting with the DVSA soon to discuss their decision.”

DVSA figures for last year showed that 47 per cent of test takers in East Lancashire passed, beating the national average of 46.9 per cent.

Raja Minhas, who has been running Drivewise School of Motoring in Nelson since 2006, said: “The centre should be kept in Nelson otherwise it would create a few issues.

“Instructors will incorporate the test routes into their lessons and Nelson has lots of places for technical driving.

“If the centre was moved it would become awkward for learners and difficult for their instructors as they would have to go out of town to learn to drive.

“Which means more travel time and instructors would have to find new spots to practice in.

“Personally I’m for the centre staying where it is, but if it was going to be moved it should be within Nelson to have as little impact as possible.”

In a letter to Andrew Stephenson, the DVSA said: “The examiners office is now starting to deteriorate and the internal walls are cracking.

“The female toilets are often out of order.

“There are only three parking bays for candidates, with an increase of number of examiners we now require at least six bays.

“We are looking at other options of renting somewhere else in Nelson or further afield.