Cumnock (in Scotland) is a village about 16 miles away from Ayr.
Cumnock has a population of about 13,000, whereas Ayr’s is over 46,000.
The DSA, as part of it’s streamlining efforts, decided to close the Cumnock test centre and move operations to the one in Ayr.
As you can see from the picture, the Cumnock test centre consists of a terraced two-up-two-down with a sign stuck on it. What you probably don’t see is the limited parking, and the overheads associated with the property (rent, heating, staffing, etc.).
The Cumnock Chronicle – circulation: not much – says:
A petition spearheaded by Karen Russell from Cairn Road, Cumnock amassed more than 2,000 signatures. But the Driving Standards Agency went ahead with their plans and shut the practical test centre on Friday, January 28.
So far, so good. Commonsense prevailed. However:
Transport Minister Mike Penning blasted the DSA’s decision to move to Ayr as a “Soviet style system” and made assurances that learners will be able to sit their practical driving test in Cumnock.
What a monumentally stupid decision. They’re trying to cut back on spending, trying to remove quangos, and then they do something like this.