Street cleansing and grounds maintenance in the former Mendip District Council area has been integrated into Somerset Council’s operations.
Somerset Council inherited contracts with idverde from local district councils after their abolition in April 2023. Idverde held three legacy street cleaning contracts, worth around £3.3m a year, according to local reports.
Somerset's plans to bring these contracts in-house when they expire could cut service costs, saving around £300,000 a year.
For the Mendip contract, services that were previously provided by idverde since 2012 have been delivered by Somerset since 1 June.
The council said this decision will ensure ‘unified and efficient maintenance of public spaces’ for its residents.
Idverde staff will be TUPED - transferred under current terms and conditions - to become part of the Somerset Council team. Some responsibilities will also now be delivered by Frome Town Council, Glastonbury Town Council, and Wells City Council.
People living in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, the village of Street, Wells and the surrounding areas will see Somerset Council take on responsibility for the maintenance of open spaces and play areas, grass cutting, litter collection and fly-tipping.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, housing and culture, said: ‘This move will align our ground maintenance operations across the county. It means we can co-ordinate resources and offer unified, direct delivery of services for residents.
‘Working together with Town and City Councils has been a fantastic success story. This collaborative approach means valued services continue to be delivered.
‘We would like to extend our thanks to idverde for its commitment to the area over the past 13 years.’
