DRIVING test bosses have denied that they are holding up a cafe quarter development in Aberystwyth.

Work on the £1m development at the Old Welsh School between the Marks and Spencer development and the railway station was meant to start in September.

The plans include the retention of the listed parts of the building, the demolition of two later additions allowing a tree-lined avenue through the centre of the former school to Park Avenue, and the construction of one extension.

It was confirmed in June that two commercial tenants have been lined up— restaurant chain Pizza Express, and Loungers, a Bristol-based café/bar chain — with the creation of up to 150 jobs.

Will Lloyd Davies, director of Llandeilo-based developers Arbenigol, claimed work on the development will only start at the end of October and not September as planned because the driving test centre has not vacated its offices.

But the DVSA — the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, a UK Government department - said there has been no delay in vacating the premises.

They said the last day of testing has always been Wednesday, 27 September, the first and only date they were given to vacate the premises by.

DVSA director of operations, Peter Hearn, said: “In line with our contract, DVSA has been given notice to vacate the current site at Aberystwyth.

“The last day of testing will be Wednesday, 27 September.

“We’re working to secure a replacement site for driving tests and will announce this as soon as we’re able to.

“After 27 September, car driving tests will be available to book at Lampeter and Cardigan. They will also be available at Newtown.

“Mod 2 tests will be available to book at Llandrindod Wells.”

The DVSA has been granted planning permission to set up an office in Aberystwyth Town Football Club.