Monmouthshire County Council Waste and Street Services is pleased to announce that a contract with Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) has been secured to provide maintenance and support to over 250 identified sites.

The council’s grounds maintenance team will provide grass-cutting, shrub maintenance, hard-standing clearance, weed clearance and related grounds maintenance for an initial period of four years with an option for two extensions of three years’ each.

The total value of the contract is £2.5 million for the potential 10 year duration.

The contract brings with it a continued commitment to help communities prosper, said a spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council. Tenants will benefit from the support of ground-teams helping them to develop community garden schemes. Monmouthshire Housing Association prides itself in working with communities to help tenants obtain employment and training opportunities.

The council said it plans to work with MHA to support the Passport to Work training scheme.

Significant community benefits have been agreed, according to MCC, including a variety of opportunities across Waste and Street Services including apprenticeships, work experience and work placements.

Monmouthshire County Council has been providing the service to MHA since the housing stock was transferred under a Service Level Agreement. In 2018, MHA tendered a long term contract for the provision of grounds maintenance to its sites, properties and for day-works following extensive consultation with tenants.

Monmouthshire County Council was identified as the preferred bidder for the Monmouthshire Housing Association Grounds Maintenance Contract.

Gaining the contract reflects the incredible work of Monmouthshire County Council in securing a high value contract in highly competitive market, said a spokesperson for the council, before adding that, “The council strives to provide an excellent service providing first-class grounds maintenance services to communities.”

Councillor Bryan Jones Cabinet Member for Waste and Street Services said lauded the deal, saying that the partnership had garnered a positive working relationship, and that both parties were keen to keep that successful venture ticking along.

“It is fantastic to hear that our Waste and Street Services team has won the contract. The team has worked incredibly hard to achieve it. Monmouthshire has provided the service for many years and we are pleased that MHA has awarded us the contract in such a competitive arena. The determination, professionalism and diligence of all staff has paid off. The high standard of service we provide will continue for many years to come and enable job security for our staff.”

Michele Morgan, Monmouthshire Housing Association, Director of Homes & Communities said the move made sense on both financial and working considerations, with both groups aiming to continue their strong records of delivery.

“We are delighted to have awarded this significant contract to local organisation Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) Waste and Street Services. The appointment followed a competitive tendering process, which involved several Monmouthshire Housing tenants, where both quality and value for money were considered. “We are now looking forward to building on our existing relationship with the council, who very much share our commitment to delivering the highest levels of customer services to our communities while creating additional community benefits and employment and training opportunities. This contract also enables MHA to keep the Monmouthshire pound within Monmouthshire, which is fantastic news.

“We are particularly looking forward to seeing our partnership well and truly cemented by the unveiling of our logo on the side of their fleet of groundswork vehicles.”