THE BUILDING which served as the driving test centre in Whitchurch has been put up for sale following its closure.

The Lodge 31 Dodington is on sale for £85,000, after the DVSA closed the site earlier this year as a controversial cost-saving measure.

The property is being marketed by the letting agent, Bowen Son and Watson with Kent Jones.

The particulars for the site say: "The property will be considered either for sale or for let.

"A substantial commercial property situated close to the centre of the market town of Whitchurch with the benefit of parking.

"The property extends to over 650 sq ft evenly split over two floors with the accommodation currently comprising of a waiting room and toilet on the ground floor and an office, kitchen, and toilet on the first floor.

"The property retails a host of original features. Subject to necessary planning consent the property could revert to residential use.

"The property is situated within walking distance of the centre of the popular market town of Whitchurch.

"The town itself has an excellent range of amenities, shops and schools.

"Easy access onto the A41 and A49 provides direct routes to the larger towns of Shrewsbury, Stafford, Wrexham and Chester.

"The town has an excellent bus service and a train station with direct service to Crew and Shrewsbury."

Since the closure of the test centre Whitchurch Town Council has been discussing an alternative site with the DVSA, having offered the use of the town hall as an alternative location for tests in the town. The council is now awaiting the DVSA's decision on that offer.

Recently, the MP for North Shropshire, Helen Morgan put forward a motion calling on the Department of Transport and the DVSA to accept the offer of an alternative site.

Ms Morgan said North Shropshire is losing important local facilities.

The Liberal Democrat MP added: "Whitchurch Town Council and the campaigners here have done a fantastic job of proposing a realistic alternative facility to keep a testing centre open in the town.

"But now the Government must clarify its position and confirm the Whitchurch driving test centre will reopen.

"The Conservatives have the power to keep this test centre open and protect an important service here.

"I strongly urge them to listen to residents here and work with Whitchurch Town Council to provide the additional driving testing we urgently need."