After weeks of rumours, the controversial £150million contract between Wiltshire Council and Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) is to end early. The contract included grass-cutting.
The break was confirmed in a short statement from Wiltshire Council:
“Wiltshire Council and Balfour Beatty (BBLP) have mutually agreed to end their contract after it became clear that the contractual arrangements were no longer appropriate for either party.
The current contract will end on 31 March 2016.
A phased transfer plan to minimise disruption to the service is now in place. A number of existing subcontractor agreements will transfer to Wiltshire Council for continuity in major resurfacing, ground maintenance and grass cutting services. The council will now seek a service provider to start a new contract on 1 April 2016.
In the meantime Balfour Beatty will remain responsible for street lighting maintenance and highways activity such as temporary repair works, paths and cycle schemes, and will continue to work closely with Wiltshire Council.”