Star comment: Enterprise zone good for economy

The DY5 Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone will spread across 170 acres of land in Pensnett and take up office space at Merry Hill.

Bosses hope it will create 7,000 new jobs and more than 300 businesses over 25 years. It is vitally important that everything possible is done to make a success of the project.

The fact that the Midland Metro extension to Brierley Hill is due to open in 2023, and that heavily discounted rates are available, will undoubtedly help to attract businesses.

This is a real opportunity to grow the economy of the Black Country and beyond across a number of sectors.

By building on the region’s rich industrial heritage, the zone can be a focal point for business in the borough. It would be great to see national and international companies taking up space there. It must be remembered that although this is a Government-backed scheme, its reach is far wider than party politics. We sincerely hope that whoever is in power in the coming years continues the good work.

We need more enterprise zones in the Black Country and Staffordshire.