A swift decision on the future of the Metro is vital to the success of the scheme according to Birmingham’s business community.

Further unnecessary delay in the development of the project is not an option, according to Birmingham Forward’s chief executive Simon Murphy.

“Birmingham City Council must make a decision as soon as possible. The results of the feasibility study into an underground option have been with the council for at least four weeks. If we continue to delay, there is a danger that we could be overtaken in the West Midlands Metropolitan area.”

The planned extension to the Metro system runs from the existing Metro station at Snow Hill, via Corporation Street, past the Town Hall, down Hagley Road to the Five Ways Shopping Centre.

The call to action comes as Birmingham Forward hosts an event with Centro, when Director General Rob Donald will talk about the organisation’s vision for the future of public transport in the city.

Centro is responsible for promoting the use and future development of the various forms of public transport across the whole of the West Midlands County.

“This is a great opportunity for people to hear about a very topical subject - what is happening in the public transport arena,” added Simon.

“I am sure it will be a great opportunity for debate – and that the issue of the Metro will be central to that discussion.”

(The event will take place tomorrow June 29)