Villa’s Chinese whispers come true but tram launch hits buffers

ONE long-running saga reached a conclusion this week – but not the one that was expected.

The planned launch of the extension to the Midland Metro line this weekend hit the buffers in midweek, yet again delaying a project that is already 14 months overdue. Thanks to Simon Howes for sending us this amusing link asking the big question: “is it done yet?”.

However Randy Lerner’s long journey to the exit door at Aston Villa ended with the sale, reportedly for £60m, to Chinese businessman Dr Tony Xia. Much relief among the club’s fans, although it comes a few months too late for Villa’s Premier League status.

Another Chinese investment followed today, with Lei Shing Hong gaining its first foothold in the UK with the purchase of nine Mercedes-Benz dealerships, including four in the West Midlands.

Unsurprisingly another automotive-related announcement also proved popular, with JLR supplier Sertec Group investing in a 145,000 sq ft warehouse unit at Hams Hall Estate that will become its distribution centre for finished parts.

Now if only the part of the tramline could be finished, we could feel a bit happier about the city centre infrastructure…

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