Will Halesowen Pensioners write in support?

As was agreed, please could you write an email to customerservices@tfwm.org.uk and, to James Morris and elsewhere, for his/their support, to ask if our no 9 buses might be chosen as the few buses to be allowed to use Five Ways underpass and Broad Street, as soon as possible, now that work has finished on building the Westside tram extension to Edgbaston Village tram stop.  That direct route is so much quicker for bus users from Halesowen than having to go all round the Wrekin on the back streets diversion.

Secondly, as we agreed, could you also ask James if he would please support us in pressing for every bridge and viaduct to be strengthened for goods/freight trains as work progresses for Metro trams on the former, principal mainline railway between Stourbridge Jct and Burton on Trent, on the Derby to Devon via Dudley railway.  The additional email is customerservices@westmidlandsmetro.com

My own bold emphasis is here in this email from

From: <Customer Services> <customerservices@tfwm.org.uk>
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2021 at 09:44
Subject: REBUTTAL REQUIRED to my statement from yesterday, please. CRM:004501016
To: Tim Weller <timweller1@gmail.com>

"You have also specifically asked for clarification on the reinstatement of heavy rail and freight services and how light rail investment supports this. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has acquired an approximate 7km section of the old railway corridor from Network Rail. Although Network Rail currently has no plans to bring this line back into operation, as part of our agreement we will make passive provision for freight trains to return to that section of track. This means that we will be carrying out work that could enable this to happen in the future. In its current state of disrepair and without the work we will be undertaking, the section of route we have procured cannot be used by freight trains.

​"​Our plans for Metro construction involve upgrading or replacing several structures to be suitable for use and accommodate heavy freight where possible. We have also acquired Parkhead Viaduct which needs considerable remedial work to make it safe, before carrying trams or freight trains could be considered. We are also moving a small section of track near to Round Oak to allow for both Metro and rail/freight.

​"​Please note our agreement with Network Rail will not make the full line ready for freight, so some additional work would be carried out if the reinstatement of freight trains was agreed.​"​

Quite honestly, I do wonder why, if passive provision is being made for freight trains, why passenger trains cannot be delivered on the full 56 Kms between Burton on Trent and Stourbridge Jct.

Many thanks, Tony and Tony

Tim