STOURBRIDGE’S MP has revealed that plans to regenerate Lye are making progress, with initial works set to start next year.

The area around Lye war memorial will be the first part of the regeneration scheme and plans to secure public funding of initially up to £20 million are earmarked to get underway by 2025, Suzanne Webb MP has said.

She said she was given an update on the project during a recent catch up with officials involved in the regeneration scheme.

The Tory MP met with the director of regeneration and enterprise at Dudley Council, Helen Martin, and head of regeneration projects at New Heritage Regeneration Limited, Mark Clarke.

She said: “I was really pleased and reassured the council and its partners are moving at pace to get spades in the ground next year with the major work – worth many tens of millions - earmarked for 2025,” said Suzanne.

“This is great news for Lye and the wider Stourbridge area and I am delighted to see it following my campaign to secure this money in partnership with the council and the WMCA.

“Residents really want to see where they live improved and for there to be more housing, better transport by making the bypass two way and encouraging businesses with a new square and new vitality to the High Street.

“Just how keen was amply shown last week when I popped into the Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) community engagement event at Christ Church in Lye.

“There is still work to do as the design code and local plan work needs to be completed but we are making good progress.”