Metro stop to be officially named after Dudley Castle

The stop outside the zoo will be named Dudley Castle, instead of Station Drive as was originally planned, and it is hoped the name will boost the town's tourist potential.

It is the first stop to be named and will serve the town centre once the line, which will connect Dudley and Brierley Hill to Birmingham via Sandwell, is up and running.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: "Working with Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority, we have agreed this is the perfect name for the Metro stop closest to the Castle.

"The Metro will be used by tourists visiting the area as well as by commuters and local residents and it was felt the name would celebrate the town’s heritage and visitor attraction appeal."

The announcement comes as work continues over the summer to bring the Metro line to Dudley.

Trindle Road in Dudley town centre is currently one way towards the junction with Hall Street and King Street. The system began on July 13 and it is expected to stay in place until autumn, while the current lane closure on Castle Hill is expected to continue until August.

Ian Collins, Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Project Director at the Midland Metro Alliance, the organisation that is designing and building the route on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, said: "This is the first tram stop along the new route to have its name officially confirmed and is located to serve Dudley town centre and the numerous tourist attractions and entertainment venues in the area.

"The Midland Metro Alliance is currently working to progress detailed design and is commencing some construction activities for the scheme, across both Sandwell and Dudley and also in the railway corridor where more than 7 kilometres of the route is to be built, whilst taking into account the important government guidance related to Covid-19."

Drivers have been warned to expect delays if they travel along the planned Metro route.