The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has agreed a support package for businesses affected by the construction of West Midlands Metro extensions. The initiative will be specifically targeted towards businesses who have frontages directly affected by construction.
Three levels of assistance will be available for small businesses who have been trading for more than 12 months. Qualifying businesses will receive a proportion of demonstrated losses subject to the submission of properly documented accounts to the independent scheme administrator.
There will also be a series of “open for business” campaigns to assist in maintaining footfall levels during the height of construction.
Alejandro Moreno, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “Similar schemes have been tried and tested in other parts of the country when tramways have been constructed and they have proved beneficial. Legislation allows the WMCA to provide this sort of help around the construction of new tram routes and we welcome the announcement. Ultimately this expanded Metro network will play a key role in supporting the region’s future economy, opening up new job, education and leisure opportunities for thousands of people.”