The Midland Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill is key to the economic regeneration of the Black Country, the Government was told today.

In an adjournment debate in Parliament, Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho explained how the phase one extension through the Black Country was needed to counter the area’s decline.

During the debate, the Black Country MP explained the benefits of the extensions to ministers. Among those presented include the creation of 4,000 jobs, providing access to work, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities, and giving an attractive alternative to the car bringing further economic and environmental benefits.

She said: “The Midland Metro, as outlined today, is a vital component for improving the Black Country, connecting some of the most deprived wards and linking the four strategic centres of Brierley Hill, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

“It is a critical element of the Black Country Study which the Government has already shown its support for, and I have urged the minister to give the necessary approvals for the Phase One extensions for our region.”

Transport bosses on the region’s public transport body, Centro-PTA - which is developing the Metro scheme - see the debate as a positive step forward in getting the extensions approved by the Government.

The Government has already awarded Centro-PTA approval to build the Midland Metro Phase One extensions from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill and through Birmingham City Centre from Snow Hill to Five Ways by awarding Transport and Works Act powers in 2005 to construct the new lines.

“There is no doubt that Midland Metro is crucial for the economic prosperity of the Black Country and the West Midlands as a whole, providing jobs, redevelopment, improved access to vital facilities and social inclusion,” explains Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of Centro-PTA.

“We have provided the Government with a robust scheme which represents excellent value for money and wish to press forward with implementing the lines as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.”

Transport minister Tom Harris responded positively to Lynda Waltho MP’s comments agreeing that transforming the Black Country is crucial to the Regional Spatial Strategy and the future of the area and the West Midlands as a whole.

He agreed that light rail schemes have a important role to play in regeneration, bringing considerable benefits in providing accessibility and reducing congestion.

He said he recognised the need for an integrated public transport system and that Metro was a valuable part of that, and promised to work closely with West Midlands authorities following their submission of the Transport Innovation Fund bid, which will include Midland Metro.

Ian Brough, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber says: “We are looking forward to seeing the new Midland Metro extension in operation as soon as possible due to the vital role it will play in the regeneration of the Black Country – providing jobs, accessibility for all, economic growth and much needed development along this corridor.

“We would ask the Government to approve the scheme as soon as possible, in order to provide these much needed benefits to the area.”

Tom Slater, communications manager for Brierley Hill Regeneration Partnership adds: “Metro will help to keep Brierley Hill moving and support the town’s future growth and prosperity.”

“It is an important ingredient of the regeneration of Brierley Hill and will help the town play its part in delivering the Black Country Study’s vision for the region.

“Westfield, Brierley Hill Regeneration Partnership’s private sector partner, has shown its commitment to the Black Country with a unique £36.5 million contribution to the Metro scheme – one of the largest private sector contributions of its kind - which will improve the region’s transport links and support the region’s long term economic and social growth.”