Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

A multi-million pound contract for highways to begin next month.

A multi-million pound contract to maintain Wiltshire highways begins next month (June 1), providing a more responsive service for local communities.

Local decision making will be at the forefront of the multi-million pound contract which deals with key services such as highway maintenance, grass cutting, litter collection and street lighting which was awarded by council leaders in December 2012.

Currently the services, which also include dealing with winter weather, drainage and bridges, are covered by four different organisations, including an in-house team, but under the new contract the works will be carried out by one contractor. The value of the contract over five years will be around £150m and was awarded last year to Balfour Beatty Living Places.

The new contract will build upon the success of the existing parish steward scheme, allowing a greater range of services to be provided locally.

The decision was made last year, as the government announced Wiltshire would receive a further £3.6m of additional funding for highways maintenance split over the next two years as part of a drive to improve transport infrastructure across England.

Following the introduction of area boards, the highways services has delegated decisions and budgets to local communities through the Parish Steward Scheme, Speedwatch and Community Area Transport Groups.

Since April 2010 £1.1m has been handed over to area boards for local highway improvements and this has been taken into account with the new contract.

Employees who are currently with the three previous providers will be transferred across to the new contractor.