Midland Metro tram services through the Black Country to Dudley and Brierley Hill are a step closer following the conclusion of a Public Inquiry into a £139 million expansion of the network.

The bulk of remaining objections have been withdrawn during the four-week hearing.  A report will now go to the Government and public transport promoter Centro says passengers could be travelling on the line in less than five years time.

In summing up, Centro’s counsel told Government inspector Graham Self the proposal would deliver a high quality public transport service, improve accessibility for the area and support the economic and environmental aims of both Sandwell and Dudley borough councils.

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill route will have 13 easy-access stops with four Park and Ride sites serving shopping and business areas in Great Bridge, Dudley Port (connecting with local train services), Dudley town centre, the Waterfront and Merry Hill before terminating near High Street, Brierley Hill.  Modern trams would cover the distance in 23 minutes, travelling on-street through parts of Dudley and following the route of a mothballed railway line for much of the remaining journey.

During the course of the Inquiry, Centro reached agreement with both Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority to protect the route of a parallel railway track should it ever be needed for freight trains.

Objections by rail enthusiasts wanting to see passenger train services were dismissed as expensive and unrealistic.  Centro’s evidence claimed that the extra work required would cost more than £36m and that, according to the Government’s Strategic Rail Authority “… there is no demand that would justify a passenger service on the Walsall to Stourbridge axis, either now or in the foreseeable future”.

In contrast, the Government inspector was shown considerable support for the Metro expansion proposals.  Development agency Advantage West Midlands said the line is one of the region’s top transport investment priorities.  “Its delivery is of crucial importance, forming an essential piece of the jigsaw improving sustainable accessibility within the West Midlands,” it told the Inquiry.

Other bodies adding their support included English Heritage, which welcomed the improvements Metro would bring to the Dudley Castle area.  It told the Inquiry: “we welcome the wider regeneration benefits the Metro extension could bring to the area and the associated opportunities for safeguarding and enhancing its rich historic heritage.”

The Environment Agency withdrew its objection to the tramway after being satisfied there would be minimal impact on watercourses.  In other cases Centro and its borough council partners gave assurances that the negative impact of constructing and running the Metro would be kept to a minimum.  In its development plan Dudley Borough Council, for example, has promised Brierley Hill Traders that any lost parking spaces would be replaced.

“We now have to wait for the Inspector’s report and the Secretary of State’s decision, but I’m confident we have demonstrated a very positive case,” says Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for Metro on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, the policy-setting body for Centro.

"Extending the Midland Metro between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill is a crucial step in providing the high quality public transport worthy of a major region - and a successful outcome to this Public Inquiry will move us ever closer to that reality.

"Modern trams have proved immensely popular elsewhere because they get people close to their destination in comfort.  The vehicles are reliable, emission-free and fully accessible.  Once this system is running in a few years time, moving around the Black Country will be so much easier for everyone,” he adds.

The Inquiry also heard that the Metro extension could create around 750 jobs and lead to an increase in local property values.

Andrew Newcombe, appearing for Centro, said at the close of the Inquiry today: “This is a well-designed and thought through scheme which offers material benefits for Dudley, Sandwell, the West Midlands Conurbation as a whole, and for the public.”

“None of the ‘in principle’ objections to the scheme has been substantiated,” he concluded.

The Secretary of State is expected to give his decision later this year.  That would open the way for construction to start in 2005, with the first trams expected to start running in 2008.