Midland Metro row: Traders seeking legal advice over tram works in Bilston

Around 70 people packed a meeting yesterday – the second in seven days – on the how they will be affected by the six-month-long works on Bilston Road.

The repairs, due to start on June 11, mean traffic entering Wolverhampton will have to use a different route, which some small businesses, reliant on passing trade, claim could kill them off.

The traders held talks with representatives of the MMA at the The Red Lion in Bilston Street, one of the businesses affected.

Afterwards local councillor Harman Banger said: “Traders were not happy that Midland Metro had not provided written answers to questions they had compiled for the company and sent to them on Monday.

“There was still ongoing concern about a lack of consultation. Everyone was calm but it’s a very tense situation.

“Now the larger businesses involved have offered to hold hands with the smaller firms and finance any legal action.

“They are consulting solicitors over the next week to talk over the matter.”

The businesses will meet again on Friday to discuss what the lawyers advised before a further meeting with Midland Metro on Friday, June 2.

Meanwhile work is ongoing on the new £15 million Metro line along Pipers Row and Railway Drive, which is linking the Wolverhampton St George’s stop with the city’s railway station.

A spokesman for the Midland Metro Alliance said: “The Midland Metro Alliance has made every effort to engage with residents and businesses along Bilston Road about the upcoming works and will continue to engage with them for the duration of the works.

“As well as delivering 3,500 leaflets and letters in the area in April, the Midland Metro Alliance has been visiting the individual businesses and residents to answer their questions and to address any individual concerns, as well as attended group meetings when invited.

“The majority of residents and businesses are very understanding that without the works, there will be no Metro as they appreciate the benefits that the tram brings to the area.

“We and our partners, including Wolverhampton City Council, are very clear in the fact that Bilston Road will remain open for business.”