Thousands oppose driving centre closure in Lincolnshire

Almost 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the closure of a driving test centre in Lincolnshire, campaigners say.

The centre in Louth will close on 10 February leaving the nearest centre in Grimsby or Skegness.

Lincolnshire MP Sir Peter Tapsell will meet the group to discuss the closure later this week.

The Driving Standards Agency said the alternative test centres were within "established travel distance criteria".

'Too far'

The DSA said it relied on the fees from customers for funding and had a duty to spend its money in a responsible manner.

Drivers will face a round trip of more than 30 miles (48km) to take their test when the centre shuts.

Mike Beecroft, chairman of the Louth and District Driving Instructors Association, which organised the petition, said almost 5,000 people had signed it.

"We collected more than 1,700 at the last Christmas market (in Louth) on that day alone. People have told me it is a disgrace that the centre is closing.

"It is a loss of another amenity for the town of Louth and it is not fair that youngsters have to travel so far to take a driving test," he said.

The petition will be handed to Sir Peter who will deliver it to the junior minister for transport, he said.