Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, has shown her support for Birmingham City Council’s Levelling Up Fund bid for the A457 Dudley Road Improvement Scheme, and urges the Government to seriously consider the proposals.

As one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, the bid to make improvements to Dudley Road will address long-standing inequalities, create jobs, support businesses and enable the delivery of much needed homes in Birmingham Ladywood, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and regeneration within the scheme area.

The scheme aspires towards the longer-term priorities of the Council in terms of sustainable transport and working towards net zero carbon by 2030 by improving safety for all road users, introducing bus lanes and priority at junctions to support the wider cross city bus network and developing linked pedestrian and cycling facilities.  This will reduce vehicle emissions in the constituency and contribute towards the Council’s cleaner air ambitions.

Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said:

“The Levelling-Up Fund bid for an improvement scheme for Dudley Road has the potential to vastly enhance the quality of life of those living in Birmingham Ladywood. By easing congestion into the city centre and improving services on key bus routes for those living in the area, the constituency will be better connected, and improve journey times for those wishing to access the centre and key health facilities at both City Hospital and the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.

“The scheme will also develop much needed improvements for active travel along this busy route. Making the route safer for pedestrians and cyclists and putting traffic management systems in place will unlock the potential for regeneration of the area, providing direct access for several housing and business redevelopment locations.

“This is a win situation for everyone, so I urge the Government to accept what is a first class bid that meets all of the objectives for a Levelling-Up Fund bid as a shovel-ready project. If the Government are serious about levelling up our city, they shouldn’t miss this opportunity.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. For more information or comment, contact Ben Goldsborough at ben@cathoddu.com.