A WHITCHURCH driving instructor has spoken of his delight after a recently submitted plan that could see driving tests return to Whitchurch was revealed.

Ron Ingall has been working closely with fellow instructor Bill Hancock to persuade the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) to set up a test centre in the town following the closure of the previous site last year.

Since the test centre closed in April last year, pupils have been forced to take tests in other towns, including Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Oswestry and Crewe.

The DVSA recently submitted a plan to Shropshire Council to use the Civic Centre in High Street as a test centre and Mr Ingall believes their campaigning is starting to pay off.

OTHER NEWS:

He said: "Bill and I have been in touch with the DVSA for the last seven months probing and just reminding them that we are here and pointing out the advantages of having a test centre back in Whitchurch.

"It is going to be absolute relief for the pupils financially.

"Also instead of having to spend an hour driving back and to Shrewsbury, we could be better employed tackling roundabouts, traffic lights, box junctions and other things."

Mr Ingall praised Mr Hancock for his persistence in persuading the DVSA to have a test centre in Whitchurch.

He added: "The main thanks goes to Bill Hancock who has been absolutely brilliant in keeping in touch with the DVSA.

"I have two previous experiences of campaigning to keep the test centre open.

"We are over the moon for the people of Whitchurch and the surrounding area. It is going to make a tremendous difference."

READ MORE: Plan submitted by DVSA to use Civic Centre as test centre

Mr Ingall is looking forward to seeing the first pupil use the Civic Centre to take a test.

He added: "I will not believe it until I see that first pupil come out of the Civic Centre with an examiner to take a test.

"That is when I will really believe it."

Mr Ingall was also grateful to North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan, Shropshire Council and Whitchurch Town Council for their efforts.

He said: "Helen Morgan has her finger on the pulse in London.

"The mayor, the town clerk and the leader of Shropshire Council have all been behind us. They have been backing us all the way. We couldn't have got as far as we have without them.

"It has not just been a Whitchurch issue, but a county one to keep the Whitchurch test centre open."