Royal seal of approval as Queen names Midland Metro tram

THE Queen gave the Midland Metro tram system the Royal seal of approval during a visit to Birmingham yesterday.

At the new Bull Street stop in the city centre she named a tram after the late Councillor Angus Adams, the former chairman of Centro.

Cllr Adams was a popular member of Dudley Council and a key figure behind the £128m Midland Metro extension from Snow Hill station to New Street station, which is now nearing completion, before his sudden death in 2012.

The Queen was then given a tour of the vehicle where she met workers behind the Birmingham city centre Metro extension, and even got in the driving seat herself for a look around the cab.

Centro chief executive Geoff Inskip said the Metro would reduce congestion and boost the regional economy by creating jobs and growth.

“Already we are seeing inward investment coming to Birmingham and Wolverhampton because of our new trams,” he said.

“The next phase of getting the trams to New Street station will really transform the city and our passenger experience.

“We have secured further funding which will see £1.2bn invested in the Midland Metro network over the next ten years – important new links in Wolverhampton, to Edgbaston, and to Brierley Hill will be enhanced with passengers being able to get straight to our High Speed 2 rail stations at Curzon Street and the NEC/Airport by 2026.”

Meanwhile, Bar One at New Street Station is pledging support to the Royal British Legion and will be fundraising for the charity in the run up to Christmas following the Queen’s visit.

The charity donation follows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh unveiling the Pals War Memorial which commemorates railwaymen who died during World War One. 

 For the next month, 50p from every glass of festive mulled wine will be donated to the charity, which provides lifelong support for the armed forces community – serving men and women, veterans and their families.
 
All Bar One at New Street Station, which is operated by Birmingham-based pubco Mitchells & Butlers, hopes to raise more than  £2,000 for the Royal British Legion and celebrate with a cheque presentation before the end of the year.
 
James Moore, general manager at All Bar One New Street Station, said: “With the unveiling of the Pals War Memorial located outside All Bar One, we felt this would be a perfect opportunity to raise some money for the Royal British Legion and support all the fantastic work they do for men and women in the service, veterans and their loved ones.”