£26m Darlaston roads revamp approved

Funding for a £26 million scheme to improve roads in Darlaston as part of plans to create a business enterprise zone has been approved by the Government's Transport Secretary Justine Greening.

The scheme to improve key junctions in Darlaston, was drawn up by Walsall Council in partnership with transport authority Centro, and was one of just a handful across the West Midlands that were considered.

Business plans for the Black Country enterprise zone show 1,918 new jobs could be created within Darlaston by 2015.

Councillor Tom Ansell, Walsall Council cabinet member for transport, said: "This is the best Christmas present we could wish for. Walsall, Darlaston and Pleck can now move forward and create jobs and prosperity. We need to acknowledge the work of all those who have made this possible."

The decision from Government means that the project will get a £14.316m Government grant, a £5.664m Walsall Council contribution, £5.665m from Centro and £1m from business.

The two-year scheme, set to start in 2013, will improve links between Darlaston and the A454 and the M6, as well as improvements to Bentley Road South, Bentley Mill Way, and a number of major road junctions.