Tories hit back at Westside Link consultation

Conservative councillors have said the Labour-run authority has acted 'too late' after the 'costly' plans were drawn up before a consultation on the scheme took place.

The plans will see a number of city centre roads paved over, which the council predicts will increase footfall in the city and improve the economy.

Roads such as Lichfield Street and Queen Square would be paved over, meaning taxis, buses and cars would no longer be able to drive through.

The scheme has been met with a number of concerns from traders along Lichfield Street who fear that pedestrianisation of the road will affect their business.

Conservative councillor Jane Stevenson said: “Local businesses and St Peter’s Church have raised serious and legitimate concerns about the Council’s pedestrianization plans. An early consultation would have informed the design process to give us the best possible plan for our city.

“The fact is that these grand plans were drawn up by consultants who don’t live in the city and don’t understand the issues. And Labour needs to explain why important local stakeholders weren’t consulted until after the plans were published. It’s a disgraceful way to treat small business owners and the community.”

The council has rebuffed the latest criticism from the Conservatives, claiming that it is 'routine' for plans to be drawn up before the public are consulted.

Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city economy, councillor John Reynolds, said: “It is routine in any project of this nature for plans to be drawn up for consideration by the public, businesses and key stakeholder groups through consultation.

“The consultation process started in October and is ongoing.

“We are continuing to meet with different stakeholder groups to gain constructive feedback and make alterations to the plans where necessary.

“Feedback from the public and businesses on the Westside Link proposal in general has been largely very positive and we have also received letters of support from major city organisations like The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton BID, Mander Centre owners, Benson Elliot, and the University of Wolverhampton.

“The scheme is expected to increase visitor footfall and reduce shop vacancy rates in the city centre, create jobs and bring in more money to the city economy through a combination of improved retail/leisure activity, as well as produce high-quality public realm imperative to city living expansion and hotel delivery.”