Black Country Metro extension to start within weeks, mayor says

Work to extend the West Midlands Metro tram network in the Black Country will get under way within weeks, after it received government approval.

The £261m section will run from Flood Street in Dudley to Merry Hill shopping centre, with construction planned to start in January.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said its board was set to give the green light to the project next Friday.

Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor and WMCA chairman, said: "We will have spades in the ground within weeks, allowing people to experience the benefits of Metro sooner."

He said it would make "a huge difference" to people in Dudley and deliver a major boost to businesses at Merry Hill.

Government funding for the scheme, led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), was included in the Budget and the project has had Department for Transport approval.

The extension will pass through Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront business park.

The mayor also said WMCA would work closely with Dudley Council on growth plans to help build a funding package and business case for a further extension.

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said the approval was "great news", adding: "We've continued to push for the funding to deliver this project."

He said: "We will continue to work with TfWM to develop a business case to secure funding to further connect the line to Brierley Hill High Street."