New pavements have been laid and bus shelters installed in Brierley Hill, as works to rejuvenate the town centre continue.
The resurfaced pavements, improved crossing points and new bus shelters are part of Dudley Council’s regeneration programme to increase footfall in the town by making the town more attractive and welcoming.
Following consultation with traders, shoppers and residents, there was overwhelming support for the proposal to introduce raised crossings and other traffic calming measures, including the introduction of a 20 miles per hour zone.
Road traffic orders will be implemented in and around the town with a 20 miles per zone covering the full length of Talbot Street, Pearson Street, Albion Street, Cottage Street and Little Cottage Street and for selected parts of Moor Street, Mill Street, High Street and Fenton Street anticipated by summer 2024.
A range of parking and waiting restrictions will be brought in on High Street, Cottage Street and Talbot Street with the intention of making the town centre much more inviting and encouraging for shoppers and residents.
Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environment, said:
“It’s great to see these resurfaced pavements being laid, which connect people to car parks, the forthcoming Metro terminus and the recently refurbished public toilets in Little Cottage Street.
“The new pavements are more accessible for people with mobility issues as well as those using wheelchairs and pushchairs. This work will facilitate pedestrian movement and connectivity for people who visit the town on foot, bike or by car.
“We are bringing 20mph zones into force in several locations in the town to improve pedestrian and motor safety and new parking measures in the town will help to reduce congestion while enabling more shoppers to find short stay bays.”
Brierley Hill is receiving £10million of investment from the Future High Streets Fund bid, which has been awarded by central Government for key transformation works including improving connectivity and integration, refurbishments to the library, the recent reopening of the public toilets and enabling works to improve the look and feel of the High Street.
The town is also benefitting from £2.2million of funding via the High Streets Heritage Action Zone, which has so far seen improvements made to the War Memorial on Church Street, a series of building projects and several public realm improvements.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:
“Brierley Hill is one of 22 conservation areas in the borough and these improvements will enhance the appearance of this historic High Street while encouraging higher footfall in the town.
“Working in conjunction with our funding partners, we are breathing life back into this fantastic town centre, and we are so pleased to have the support of residents and businesses as we continue to make these improvements.
“Next month we will be running our ‘Shop Local’ campaign, encouraging people to support our fantastic high streets and local traders and I am sure the community will get behind Brierley Hill and all it has to offer.”