A DRIVING school forced to shut up shop by mindless vandals is fighting back.

Tutors with the Blackburn Area Road Safety Association fled their purpose-built Ewood base when wreckers destroyed the facilities in late-night sprees.

Although the group ceased operating earlier this year they are now back in business, using a temporary location.

But members' main worry is what will happen to the county-council run association when Blackburn with Darwen Council becomes a unitary authority. Publicity officer Margaret Hodson said: "We want to know what will happen to the association, and our Ewood premises, next year. Neither the county council nor Blackburn With Darwen Council have shown any interest in it since it was badly vandalised.

"It seems a terrible waste to see it like this. It was redecorated recently and is purpose-built for our needs but it is being neglected."

The association is now planning to run a six-week BARSA better driving course at Blackburn Northern Cricket and Tennis Club, in Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, from August 5.

Margaret added: "It is not ideal and we are not sure how convenient it will be because we need to take all our equipment with us every time we hold a session."

The course has been specially designed to help new drivers following the introduction of a two-year 'probation period' for people who passed their test after June 1 this year.

The new policy means that if the driver receives six or more penalty points within that period they will have to return to learner status, apply for a new provisional licence and take the test again.

The course, which costs £16 (students £10), covers all aspects of driving. For details ring 01204 852605 or 01254 51777.

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