MP Suzanne Webb has met West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to discuss unlocking funding to regenerate Lye and Stourbridge following the new devolution deal for the West Midlands.

Suzanne successfully pressed for the deal to hand more power to the mayor in key areas like regeneration, transport and housing before it was announced in the Budget.

Both the mayor and the MP met at her constituency office in Stourbridge on Friday to discuss how two areas will be regenerated. There was also a discussion about Brierley Hill and the Metro expansion. Suzanne said:

“I am a huge fan of the devolution deal that takes important regeneration and transport decisions away from Whitehall and into the hands of those locally elected here in the West Midlands.

“Both Andy and I sat down to look at the business case for investment in housing and transport that is needed in these areas.

“I am so thankful we have the devolution deal following the disappointment of losing out on the Levelling Up Fund money. We are both on the same page when it comes to the need for this regeneration and the work now starts to look closely at the specifications needed to drive it forward.”

Suzanne added another important component was the Stourbridge Dasher rail extension that would reinstate passenger services on the four-mile freight-only branch line between Stourbridge Junction and Round Oak, Brierley Hill. Andy Street added:

“It was great to join Suzanne to discuss our shared vision to regenerate Stourbridge and Lye High Street. We’re progressing at pace with £3 million for the High Street to improve cycling facilities which will help spur further investment and regeneration.

"In Lye, we’re working up the business case for a wider housing and regeneration programme. Together, we’re getting on with delivering tangible projects that will change the lives of local people for the better in the months and years ahead.”