Business leaders across the Midlands have claimed Government attempts to breathe new life into the Black Country would fail if transport links are not improved.

Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCC) and the West Midlands Business Council (WMBC) - an umbrella group for business organisations across the region - called for a dedicated 30-year transport plan for the area.

It is hoped a detailed policy would run alongside recommendations produced by the Black Country Study, which was launched by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

The results of the study will form the basis of a long-term plan aimed at revitalising the Black Country.

The public consultation for the inquiry finished yesterday, but business leaders are concerned that transport issues will be neglected.

WMBC Executive Director James Watkins said: "The WMBC and our colleagues at BCC have called on the Government to ensure that radical plans for the transformation of the Black Country include the need to ensure that the transport network is up to the mark.

"Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was right to call for. Business agrees with the Government that the future of the Black Country is linked to the need to improve the wider West Midlands regional economy.

Mr Watkins said he is pleased that the study will contain plans to tackle the skills crisis, improve housing and bring in inward investment.

BCC's chief executive Ian Brough said: "The Chamber has been campaigning extensively for action to get the Black Country moving. The Black Country is easy to get to, but a nightmare to get through."