Bilston to be transformed under new plans

Wolverhampton Council says it is looking to make one town a ‘priority’ for economic growth by attracting new businesses and creating the ‘Bilston Corridor’.

That means work to improve the look of the town centre, extra CCTV cameras and better car parking.

Plans have been revealed as part of the council’s Local Economy Plan for Bilston.

The plans show how the town has previously suffered from high population growth, low levels of home ownership, low skills levels and high levels of deprivation and crime. But it paints an optimistic picture for the future. The council plans to install six new CCTV cameras in the town centre, address car parking crime in the area, expand and relocate Loxdale Primary School, as well as review the location of Bilston Library.

Other works to take place include painting the street furniture and installing public art, removing dead trees on the High Street and block paving over redundant tree pits, replacing of litter bins and installation of LED street lighting in the High Street.

The report continues: “Once the budget availability is agreed painting and other works will commence which will lift the Public Realm in Bilson Town centre.”

The plans will also see the Bilston Urban Village renamed Bert Turner Boulevard with new signs to be installed. More enforcement action will be brought to stop people illegally travelling along Bilston High Street, parking issues in the town will be reviewed and a report into how to best deal with vacant premises will also be completed. According to a council report: “Bilston is facing several socio-economic issues, including high crime levels.

But the council hopes that by making Bilston a ‘gateway’ into the city, it will help to tackle issues it faces, improve the High Street and make the market more sucessful.

The report continues: “The Bilston Corridor Area Action Plan aims to aim is to secure investment to ensure that Bilston Town Centre provides a wide range of services that are attractive and accessible to local people, underpinned by a vibrant High Street and market and a high-quality environment reflecting both proud heritage and modern design.

“Bilston Corridor is one of the key regeneration areas in Wolverhampton and acts as a ‘gateway’ linking Wolverhampton to the Black Country and Birmingham by rail, Metro, road and canal.”

Speaking of the plans, councillor Stephen Simkins, Labour councillor for Bilston East, said: “I welcome any plan that is set to improve things for the people of Bilston, particularly one that recognises how Bilston is a gateway into Wolverhampton.

“People who know their local history may recall that at one point the Toll House was located on Oxford Street, marking the boundary into Wolverhampton, and that marker has been recognised here.

“This is the blueprint for the future for the people of Bilston and the future investment that is underway.”