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STOP THE VOSA CLOSURES A VIEW FROM THE NORTH-WEST
Page 14
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The VOSA test station in Bredbury, Cheshire, closed on 7 May but operators in the North-West have more sympathy for others losing facilties rather than for the loss of their own.
The FTA's Firth gives VOSA credit for upgrading its testing site in Chadderton, Greater Manchester, before the Bredbury facility closed earlier this year.
"Sometimes VOSA gets things the wrong way around," Firth says. "The Steeton, West Yorks closure [due in 2010] is likely to put pressure on facilities in the North-West because there is nothing planned to replace it yet." Fagan & Whalley's Wood adds: "As far as we know, our local station in Kirkham is not ear-marked for closure, but I have sympathy with our Yorkshire neighbours."
Mike Lyons, group finance director at AK Worthington, which is based in Trafford Park, Manchester, says his business has not had any issues surrounding the closure of VOSA testing centres in the North-West.
However, he adds: "As a reputable operator, we do welcome VOSAS robust approach to roadside checks within the area."