Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb has given her ‘total support’ for Investment Zones across the West Midlands, including one in Dudley borough that incorporates Lye.

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street has submitted a package of bids for several areas to the government this week.

The Dudley package wants to build on brownfield sites on the Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill including Lye in a bid to create jobs and housing. Suzanne submitted a letter of support on 14th October.

The Lye component consists of land at Caledonia/Stour Valley and at Conyers Trading Estate for mixed use and land south of Lye bypass for residential. In total it comprises 29 hectares. Ms Webb said:

“One of my priorities has always been jobs and investment for Stourbridge and these exciting new Investment Zones could well be the catalyst for this happening in Lye.

“I would like to thank the Mayor, the West Midlands Combined Authority, local business leaders and local councils for the work they have put in to get this excellent package of bids ready.

“It is critical these bids unlock public and private sector funding to drive a renaissance of these areas that have suffered deprivation.

“These are exciting times for the West Midlands with transport improvements like HS2 making the region very attractive for investment.

“I will do all I can to make the case that all these packages across the West Midlands are agreed by ministers.”

The zones will accelerate economic growth and deliver tens of thousands of new homes and jobs for the West Midlands, if agreed.

They have the potential to boost the West Midlands’ economy by more than £4.7bn with new jobs, new homes and commercial space all being developed.