Compensation scheme secured for businesses hit by tram replacement works

City of Wolverhampton Council has helped secure access to a compensation scheme for businesses affected by the 2017 Bilston Road tram track replacement works.

East Park ward councillors campaigned on behalf of the traders and made representation to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which resulted in a series of recommendations that are now being put into force by Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM).

The scheme is aimed at affected businesses directly fronting Bilston Road between the Royal tram stop and Stow Heath Lane (including Chillington Street and Landport Road), who were trading for more than a year before the tram construction works started in June 2017 and have an annual turnover of less than £500,000.

Businesses must also have been trading between July 1 and December 22, 2017, to be eligible.

RSM has been appointed to act impartially to assess claims.

Cllr Harman Banger, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city economy and East Park ward councillor, said: “We have worked hard with the traders to make the case for compensation for the impact on their businesses over the six months of the works.

“Many of these businesses experienced difficult times and have done well to survive – demonstrating the fantastic entrepreneurial spirit of our small to medium enterprises in the City of Wolverhampton.

“I would like to thank the West Midlands Combined Authority for listening to our concerns and coming up with a package that will come as a very welcome boost to the Bilston Road businesses.”

TfWM and City of Wolverhampton Council will be contacting all Bilston Road businesses to make them aware of the compensation process.

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