A NEW firm has been appointed to carry out road resurfacing work on behalf of a county council.

Tarmac has been awarded the two-year £30 million contract to carry out road resurfacing across Gloucestershire from April.

In September, Gloucestershire County Council announced that it would not be renewing its agreement with Amey which had been heavily criticised for its work as highways contractor.

It decided to split the contract into three areas as well as to bring some management and operational roles back in-house.

Road resurfacing projects, which are valued at £10 million this year and £20 million over the following 12 months, will now be carried out by Tarmac.

The council’s cabinet member for highways, Cllr Vernon Smith, said he was “confident” in the decision.

“We’ve been doing our homework very thoroughly,” he said. “I’m confident the award of the resurfacing contract will make the most of the council’s investment and deliver value for money.

“Making sure our highways are in great condition helps keep the county moving and the new resurfacing contract is crucial to delivering on our £150 million investment.

“I fully support the award of this contract and look forward to Tarmac working with us to deliver effective resurfacing works across the county.”

Tarmac contracting managing director, Paul Fleetham, said he thought they would offer “value for money”.

He said: “We’re delighted to have secured this surfacing contract with Gloucestershire County Council. 

“We have worked closely with them to deliver highway maintenance schemes over the past 12 years and look forward to continuing this partnership in a direct capacity. 

“I am confident that we will continue to not only provide value for money, but also use our innovative products and expertise to help the council further improve their highways.” 

The two remaining highways contracts – maintenance, including verge cutting and gritting, and design and consultancy, which includes customer service and design work – are yet to be awarded.