A NEW firm will attempt to maintain Hampshire's roads and battle its potholes for the next seven years.

Hampshire County Council has awarded its highways maintenance contract to Skanska, to replace Amey.

It comes after a contract procurement process that included detailed negotiations and assessed quality and price and takes effect from August 1 this year.

There is an option to extend for a further five years past 2024 based on successful performance.

Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council said: “Well-maintained roads and pavements are vital for the continued economic prosperity of Hampshire, and the quality of life of everyone who lives here. The county council is committed to providing the best possible highways service to residents and businesses, and has an excellent track record in taking an innovative, long term and effective approach to looking after Hampshire’s roads.

“This new contract has been years in the planning. We’ve worked with councillors across all political parties, talked to other authorities, researched the market, and engaged with all potential suppliers to fully understand what they can offer Hampshire. I’m confident that our new contract is competitive, offers good value for money for Hampshire’s council taxpayers and can deliver the quality of work Hampshire’s residents expect and deserve.

“We are all very much looking forward to working with Skanska.”

Simon White, operations director for Skanska, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract. We look forward to working with Hampshire County Council to help it improve the highways network by providing a high-quality highways maintenance service. We will bring innovative and cost-effective solutions to help maintain and improve roads across the county.”