Main construction works will now get underway “within weeks” following confirmation of £59.8m of central government funding to add to the cash raised by local authorities.

Five new stops will be served by the 2 kilometre extension which is due to open in March 2021.

Preliminary groundworks started in the summer overseen by the Midland Metro Alliance.

The alliance includes contractor Colas Rail supported by their sub-alliance partners Colas Limited, Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Management Group.