A few weeks ago, I met with businesses on the Bilston road affected by the major works taking place there to replace the rails for the Midland Metro.

The businesses I spoke to understand that this kind of work is essential from time to time but they’ve reported losses in trade of 40%-80%. They’ve asked me as the local MP to write to both the City Council and the Midland Metro Alliance to see if there can be a hardship fund or compensation fund for some of the businesses affected by the loss in trade. So, I’ve written to both of those organisations as well as the Secretary of State for Transport regarding these issues.

I believe these works will improve the Midland Metro but I also don’t want to see businesses locally adversely affected by what’s happening.