Cumbria County Council is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic partnership with specialist support services company Amey to bring improvements in highways maintenance and other related services in the county.
The seven year contract worth £300million was signed this week. It will see Amey take over the maintenance of around 7,700 kilometres of highway, 1,700 bridges and 44,000 streetlights.
Four hundred staff currently employed by Cumbria County Council's Contract Services Construction Unit will transfer to Amey with their employment and pension rights protected.
The transfer will also include engineering laboratory services, environmental design and the management and maintenance of 1,000 vehicles and items of plant and other equipment together with ground maintenance and sign manufacturing.
The partnership, due to start in April this year, has been agreed as part of Cumbria County Council's Invest to Save and Improve initiative which was designed to secure better services and make more effective use of public money.
Benefits of the deal will include projected savings of £7million over the seven year contract and improved highways maintenance delivery for communities and taxpayers throughout the county.
County council leader Tim Stoddard said: "Cumbria County Council is now able to continue with its drive for improved and modernised highways services, and at the same time provide better value for money to the people of Cumbria. This will involve significant capital investment in the business and improved job security and prospects for employees. As a County Council we will work closely with Amey and our strategic partner Capita to ensure a smooth transition for the new arrangements."
Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey, commented:
"We are delighted to have secured this prestigious contract. We look forward to working in close partnership with Cumbria County Council over the ensuing years during which we will combine our respective skills and expertise to provide first class services for the residents of Cumbria." He added: "Today's news comes hard on the heels of Amey's completion of the deal to increase its stake in Tube Lines. We have had a very positive start to 2005 and look forward to building upon our achievements."