www.lennoxherald.co.uk/dunbarton-news

Dumbarton's driving test centre has returned to a full-time service thanks to some bargaining.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) had only been operating three days a week since moving to a temporary base in the town's Burgh Hall.

This led to complaints about a downgraded service and fears that Dumbarton would eventually lose its test centre altogether.

However, West Dunbartonshire Council leader Ronnie McColl met with DSA's area manager Martin Owens last week and struck a deal.

Councillor McColl explained: “We've managed to persuade the DSA to up their service from three days a week to five, which should hopefully commence by the middle of May.

“The DSA will still be based in the Burgh Hall while actively seeking permanent premises, but we've given a commitment that they can have the hall for five days instead of three for the same fee.

“It's important to secure the five-day service because if the Dumbarton centre remains at only three days per week people will go elsewhere.

“This gives us breathing space just now to find a permanent home in the area for the test centre.”

The DSA was forced to move from its old premises in Bridge Street more than two months ago when the lease ran out.

No more driving test bookings were being taken in Dumbarton and instructors feared that the town's centre would close for good – meaning learner drivers would have to practice and sit their tests in Anniesland.

After staging a protest last month to show their opposition to such a move, local driving instructors are now more positive about the future.

Gillian Pendleton, of Gillian Driving School, said: “I'm delighted at the news the test centre will be open five days a week until they find other premises.

“It seems the future of Dumbarton test centre is secure now.”

Instructor Duncan McKellar said: “There are not any problems booking tests now. That seems to have been resolved.”

A spokesman for the DSA said: “We have reached an agreement with West Dunbartonshire Council to continue testing at the Burgh Hall in Dumbarton which will allow us to provide tests five days a week.

“Candidates will continue to be able to book tests at Dumbarton, both online and through our call centre.”