This release in from the council last night, in their own words. Ed
A new grounds maintenance contract saving the Isle of Wight Council hundreds of thousands of pounds a year has been awarded to John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Limited.
By combining a number of separate contracts, the council has been able to save in the region of £1.8m over the life of the six year contract while maintaining most landscape maintenance standards and in some areas improving them.
Maintaining parks, cemeteries, verges etc
John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance will maintain all of the council’s formal parks, esplanades, cemeteries and churchyards, highways verges and some countryside areas.
Their work will be wide ranging from grass cutting, planting and managing flowerbeds, clearing ponds and water features, sweeping leaves and managing shrubs to clearing litter and grave digging.
The council has worked hard to ensure high horticultural standards of flower beds in public areas so that even with a significant financial savings, the Island’s parks and esplanades continue to look their best.
Other measures to help achieve the savings include adjusting the number of cuts per year and areas mown, along with using more efficient machinery and horticultural methods.
Delighted to be appointed
Mr John O’Conner, founder and Chairman of John O’Conner (Grounds Maintenance) Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by the Isle of Wight Council to deliver grounds maintenance across the Isle of Wight. We are proud to employ local staff and are committed to supporting the local economy, having invested in a range of new equipment from Island suppliers.
“The Isle of Wight has outstanding landscapes and wildlife, and sustaining the Island’s beauty for both residents and visitors alike is a top priority for us. We are looking forward to working with the council and the Island community over the coming years.”
Cllr Edward Giles, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are really pleased to be working with John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance who we are confident will provide good value for money while maintaining a quality service. The contract commenced on 1 January and we are impressed with the high standard of work carried out to date.”
