I’m shocked to learn that the government is planning to close the Blackpool Theory Test Centre, forcing candidates to find their way to the next nearest centre in Preston. As the majority of people taking theory tests can’t drive this seems like a misguided and misinformed decision.

Driving Instructors tell me there’s been no consultation on the September 6 closure and there is a worry that the government will also close down some practical Driving Test Centres too.

Its utterly wrong that this decision has been made with little notice or rationale and the impact on local learners will be extremely detrimental – people living in more rural areas of the constituency have less access to public transport and getting to Preston is more problematic and time-consuming.

I’ve contacted the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to ask why this decision has been made without consultation and to highlight it’s impact. I hope they will immediately reconsider.