Time's up! But Wolverhampton Metro extension works still there

Businesses in the city say the Pipers Row roadworks have caused disruption and suffering.

But constant attempts to pin down contractors on a finishing date have been met with frustration.

Midland Metro Alliance, which is carrying out the Metro extension works, said today the work was 80 per cent complete.

It has consistently declined to provide a firm finishing date, other than to say they would end in the summer.

Today, with the start of September looming, it said the works would be lifted “in the coming weeks”.

One business leader said he was “astonished” at how the project is still not completed.

Sham Sharma, chairman of the Wolverhampton Business Forum, said: “We’re just absolutely astonished that this work has taken so long.

“We need to ask questions – what are they doing?

“They keep on stretching the deadlines and they are not giving any answers.

“They just ignore people like us and we don’t really exist for people them – what can we do? I’m sick and tired of it. It’s been over two years. They said it would take a year so we need someone to come out now and give us a deadline.”

Mr Sharma, who owns Zuri Coffee on Lichfield Street, said: “I understand these infrastructure projects have to be done, but at the same time it can’t continue dragging on. It not just hurts the city centre but it hurts businesses and small businesses are the backbone of the city.

“I just don’t understand what they are playing at. They said it was August but what are they really talking about? September is starting on Sunday.

“I don’t believe them anymore because they say one thing and do something else.”

Bosses at the Midland Metro Alliance said earlier this month that more than 75 per cent of the works had been completed.

A spokeswoman said: “The Midland Metro Alliance is currently delivering improvements to the street environment as part of the Wolverhampton City Centre Metro extension along Pipers Row.

“The work involves the installation of new kerbs, paving and trees as well as new Metro stop furniture like benches and litter bins and is 80 per cent complete. The work is due to be complete in the coming weeks.

“We do realise it is a difficult time, particularly for high street retailers, and, throughout the works, we continue to maintain access to all businesses.

“We have also worked to make sure the public is aware that the area is open as usual whilst the works take place, including the provision of bespoke signage, video content and a number of social media campaigns.”

New images were released in recent days showcasing the Metro line extension through Birmingham city centre.