Working together: (l-r) English Landscapes operative Michael Jones, chief executive of West Wiltshire Housing Society Barry Hughes, deputy Leader of the District Council Cllr Tony Phillips OBE, English Landscapes operative Lorna Clifford, and English Landscapes area manager Danny Mitchell.

An innovative new grounds maintenance and street cleansing contract for West Wiltshire will come into effect on 1 December.

A joint approach between the District Council, Wiltshire County Council and West Wiltshire Housing Society has led to English Landscapes winning the contract to provide an integrated service.

Those District Council staff who currently work in grounds maintenance and street cleansing will be transferring to the contractor.

Corporate director Tim Darsley explained: "In the past, people have found it difficult to understand why one public body maintains certain areas of land and another body looks after nearby areas quite separately. There has also been the problem of grass cutting and litter collection not being co-ordinated. This joint contract with the County Council and the Housing Society gives us the opportunity to make major improvements to services in a much more cost effective way."

The procurement process was supported by funding from the Regional Centre of Excellence, and involved a full update of all land records. Four tenders were received in July, and the contract was awarded to English Landscapes in September following a thorough evaluation of the bids.

Mr Darsley said: "The new contract gives us real flexibility in how we deliver grounds maintenance and street cleansing, as well as bringing the two functions together far more effectively. We can vary our priorities as needed, and we will be able to offer a far more responsive service to the public."

Danny Mitchell, area manager for English Landscapes, added: "We have been providing a grounds maintenance service to the District Council within the Trowbridge area for some years, so we are delighted to now be able to expand our operations and take on street cleansing for the whole of West Wiltshire."

11:34am Tuesday 11th December 2007

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