THE frustration faced by residents being driven mad by learner drivers should not be underestimated.

Day in, day out, they continually have to put up with drivers using their road to practise manoeuvres.

It's all well and good saying that it's a simple case of Nimbyism (not in my back yard syndrome), but just put yourself in their position.

Of course, people who are learning to drive have to practise somewhere, but can you imagine living somewhere where you constantly have to check your car isn't been clipped by a learner driver?

Residents are also anxious about allowing young children outside on their own, knowing that inexperienced drivers are using their streets to practise.

The problem is that if the residents did win their case to stop them using their roads on such a regular basis, where would the learner drivers go instead?

Perhaps bosses at the driving schools should put their heads together and come up with something.

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Our reporter Sue Archer is, as I write this, embarking on her mammoth feat to climb Mont Blanc.

To tackle such a huge feat is not only brave, but an inspiration to us all. Despite a setback during her attempt last year, Sue is determined to achieve the climb in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the hospice which cared for her mum and dad.

We all wish her a lot of luck.

July 11, 2002 10:30