Town's £600m makeover announced

Walsall is set to get its own version of the Angel of the North

Walsall is to be transformed at a cost of £600m over the next 10 years.

There are eight projects earmarked for the town centre and canal area, including creating pedestrianised boulevards across the town.

The plans include a landmark feature, in stainless steel to symbolise the engineering heritage of the area, between Junction 9 and 10 of the M6.

Council leader Councillor Tom Ansell said: "People are queuing up to spend their money in Walsall."

Dr Peter Cromar, of Walsall Regeneration Company, said: "This is the moment for Walsall to make its mark in the 21st Century and lead the way for the Black Country."

The developments include housing, bars, restaurants and a corridor of offices in the town centre .