HEREFORDSHIRE is seeking to avoid past mistakes when taking on a new contractor to look after the county’s roads and public spaces.

Following its announcement in April that it would cut short its contract with Balfour Beatty in 2026, Herefordshire Council has conducted ‘market engagement’ with other public realm contractors.

A report for a cabinet meeting last week said six organisations were interested and well placed to tender for the opportunity when the council opens for bids from January next year.

“This is considered adequate to ensure a competitive process, and a good outcome for the council”, the report said.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for community services told the meeting that Balfour Beatty “have committed to supporting the transition to the new arrangements”.

He added that the new contract award is likely to be confirmed towards the end of 2025, ready to come into effect from the following June.

Members said that in principle they were hugely supportive of the process, but said it was a tight and challenging timeline.

Balfour Beatty took on the role in the county in 2013.

However Liberal Democrats leader Cllr Terry James said he was still worried as this would be the fourth such contract since the unitary council came into being in 1998.

“The first three have not worked, partly down to the council itself, and most of us know that,” he said. “What makes you think it will work this time?”

To which Cllr Bramer said that following the previous contract with Amey, “the handover was poor because we were in litigation with that organisation”.

And while the current one with Balfour Beatty “started well, it later fell into a chasm of difficulties”.

“These contracts are vital in the county, and I have no doubt we will find the right supplier in the time we have given ourselves,” he said.