MULTI-MILLION pound plans to improve to Blackheath town centre including the repositioning of bus stops and a public space for outdoor events are going out to consultation this week.

The scheme repositions bus stops so that they’re closer together in a bus-only lane in Market Place/Birmingham Road, forming a dedicated bus link - with plans to divert traffic scrapped and through-traffic continuing through the town centre. 

A paved public space is planned in Market Place, near to the market, to include seats, trees and an area for pop-up outdoor events.

There will be more pedestrian crossings in the town centre, pavements will be widened where possible and improved loading bays will serve the market and shops.

Sandwell Council said it has listened to comments local people and businesses made during an initial consultation last year and has revised some of the original proposals.

The scheme initially excluded through traffic from Birmingham Road and Market Place, with motorists diverted via the bypass (Archer Way).

People are encouraged to have their say on the revised proposals in an online survey which will run from Thursday March 14 to Sunday March 31 at the council's Consultation Hub.

Or people can attend face-to-face consultation sessions at Blackheath Library on Thursday March 14 from 10am till 4.30pm and at Blackheath Market on Friday March 15 and Saturday March 16 from 10am till 3.30pm.

Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “This project will improve connectivity in Blackheath town centre, in particular helping pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers while also keeping through traffic coming through the town which is important for local people.

“The improvements we are proposing will create a focal point in the town centre and benefit both shoppers and traders.

“We have listened carefully to local feedback from the initial consultation which has helped shape these revised plans.

"We would like to thank Blackheath residents and businesses for their feedback and encourage them to comment on the revised scheme.

"The latest plans still deliver the main original aims of the scheme while also addressing some concerns raised by local people in our initial consultation.”

The project is funded through the Government-supported Towns Fund programme for Rowley Regis.