THE news that £600m is to be spent on the South Wales metro transport network has been welcomed by business leaders.

Minister Edwina Hart is expected to announce the investment and a strategic advisory group to give guidance to the Welsh Government.

Janet Jones of the Federation of Small Businesses said: “We are glad to see that the Metro project is now moving forward.

“Our members in South East Wales know all too well the problems of congestion in and around Cardiff, and this project has the potential to create significant improvements for all those who travel in the region for business.

“We believe the Metro project can also unlock wider redevelopment opportunities in the South Wales Valleys and has the potential to aid regeneration within Wales in a way in which other projects such as the proposed M4 black route do not. Given that, we are keen to see this scheme progress as rapidly as possible."

The metro network, which could be built by 2030, involves a plan for trains, buses and city trams. If it goes ahead it could cost more than £2 billion.