NORTH Shropshire's MP has demanded an update from the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) on Whitchurch after claiming there were just five available slots at other test centres.

The town's test centre was closed on April 10 and Whitchurch Town Council has put forward a proposal to use the Civic Centre as an alternative venue.

In a letter to the chief executive of the DVSA, Loveday Ryder, Helen Morgan called for an update on the proposal.

Ms Morgan said: "I am writing to request an update on the proposal of Whitchurch Town Council to provide the DVSA with a suitable venue, free of charge, to serve as a driving test centre in the town.

"I understand that John Selbey visited Whitchurch in late March to view the proposed test centre facilities.

"The team are very keen to hear that they will be able to continue to test students in the town."

In the meantime, learner drivers have been required to take their tests in either Shrewsbury, Crewe, Oswestry or Wrexham.

Ms Morgan said there was a lack of available test slots in these test centres

The Liberal Democrat MP explained: "Waits for driving tests continue to be a huge concern in Shropshire, particularly as the last time I checked, two weeks ago, there were only five tests available in the surrounding area for the rest of 2022.

"There two in Wrexham in October and three in Crewe in October.

"There are none in Oswestry or Shrewsbury."

Ms Morgan said reopening the Whitchurch test centre would help deal with the wait.

She added: "Reopening the Whitchurch site, at no cost to the DVSA, would help to alleviate this severe shortage in our car-dependent constituency and surely represent good value for the DVSA.

"I look forward to hearing from you. "

In an email to a constituent, Dave Payton, Ms Morgan said she will raise the issue and has also written to Baroness Vere, the under-secretary of state in the Department for Transport.

Ms Morgan explained: "The issue remains unresolved.

"However, I wanted to provide you with an update to reassure you that the situation remains high on my agenda.

"I have included information that makes it clear the issue is serious and pressing.

"I have also written to the relevant Minister, Baroness Vere, at the Department of Transport to seek progress on this matter.

"This issue isn’t resolved as yet.

"However, I will continue to raise it at every opportunity with the relevant authorities."

The DVSA has been approached for comment.