The Borough’s grounds maintenance contract is set to change.

Taking account of feedback from residents, the new contract specification will drive improvement in grounds maintenance across Nuneaton and Bedworth, from grass cutting to shrub control.

The changes include the move to a single contract to ensure best value by utilising economies of scale, harmonising contract conditions and adopting a uniform approach to all areas of the Borough. The new contract will be based on the frequency of service, with defined tasks and timescales, which will simplify requirements and make it easier to monitor and control.

Further changes include the separation of the tree work from the main contract - as a high value service this will be subject to full EU procurement requirements. Other ad-hoc contracts will be issued for occasional or specialist operations, with local small and medium sized enterprises being encouraged to bid for the work.

The content of the new specification has been shaped by the findings of a cross-party Environment and Planning Scrutiny Working Party, comments from local people and the requirements of the Social Value Act.

Cllr Ian Lloyd, portfolio holder for Arts, Leisure and Economic Development said:

“We have listened to residents and are drafting the specification to deliver the best service possible within the available resources. As with our other services, we have had to reduce our grounds maintenance budget in recent years, directly in line with cuts to our central Government grant. With reduced resources it is especially important that we focus on local priorities and what residents want. I am satisfied that the new contract will ultimately deliver improvements that will be welcomed by residents across the Borough.”

It is anticipated that contract will go out to tender in February next year, to be awarded in July, ready to come into operation on 1 November 2019.