From June 2026, M Group Highways replaces Balfour Beatty looking after the highways of Herefordshire.
The contract covers highway maintenance, highway drainage, street lighting and street cleaning, as well as parks and open spaces vegetation management, bereavement services, maintenance of bus shelters, public art and public rights of way and winter maintenance.
But things are going to be done differently from now on. Under the new arrangement, the council is taking back day-to-day control of the services, with M Group delivering specified work at agreed rates. The new model will transfer several key services, including asset management, network management, highways inspections, design and project management, customer services and fleet management directly into the council.
Under the new public realm contract, locality stewards who previously worked for Balfour Beatty will now work directly for the council. Their role will be to inspect roads and identify necessary jobs for the new contractor.
Cllr Dan Hurcomb, cabinet member for local engagement and community resilience, said: 鈥淭his approach gives the council more control over how money is spent and focuses on delivering real improvements that people will notice. It鈥檚 about making things simpler, more transparent, and ensuring we get the best value for Herefordshire.鈥�
M Group Highways managing director Adrian Cooke said: 鈥淎s part of our new partnership with Herefordshire Council, we鈥檙e excited to deliver the breadth of essential services with a focus on quality, efficiency and value for money, supported by our local presence and the capabilities of the wider group.鈥�