Lampeter’s mayor has accused the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency of displaying an “appalling” attitude in the wake of the closure of the town’s test centre.

Lampeter Driving Test Centre closed in August when Tai Ceredigion’s redeveloped Canolfan Dulais where it was based – even though the housing association offered alternative space.

Now Cllr Rob Phillips, who described the centre’s loss as a blow for learner drivers, has been further incensed by a response he has received from DVSA chief executive Gareth Llewellyn.

In it, Mr Llewellyn suggested driving centres in Cardigan, Carmarthen and Aberystwyth would provide better preparation for novice motorists from Lampeter and its surrounding area.

He also pointed out Lampeter was a part-time centre where just 721 tests were held in its final year.

“Most of these pupils were from outside the Lampeter area and could have sat their test closer to home,” he added.

Cllr Phillips said such statistics clearly reflected the number of students in the town.

“We seem to have been penalised for having a university campus,” he observed.

“I think this is an appalling response which shows a total lack of respect for this area.

“The DVSA also didn’t take up the alternative space Tai Ceredigion offered them – I think that’s atrocious.

“Driving conditions differ to varying degrees, but the DVSA’s attitude seems to be that it’s easier driving in rural areas and that drivers don’t need to practice.

“I feel that when they received notice that this building was to close they looked upon it as an easy way to save a few thousand pounds by closing the centre.”

Cllr Phillips added that he had passed the DVSA’s “disappointing” response on to Ceredigion MP Ben Lake.

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