THE contract to provide repairs and planned maintenance to Stroud District Council’s homes in the south of the region has been awarded.

Mi-space, part of the Midas Group will take on the contract, which is worth up to £4million a year.

The contract began on Monday, March 12 and will be in effect for an initial two-year period.

Mi-space replaces Mears Group plc, whose contract ended by mutual agreement.

Cllr Chas Townley, vice-chair of Stroud District Council’s housing committee was extremely pleased with the decision.

“Mi-space was selected through a competitive process to deliver a quality, value-for-money service and we are looking to its management team to make the changes required to offer the first class service our tenants and residents are entitled to expect,” said Cllr Townley.

“I'd also like to thank our in-house team for their dedication and hard work during this time in keeping residents informed."

Colin Scott, Stroud District Council’s maintenance and voids manager added:

“I’m confident that our tenants will find that Mi-space prioritise customer care and communication with customers. Our teams are working closely together to manage the transition between contractors to make it as smooth as possible.”

Mi-space has extensive experience in carrying out planned and reactive maintenance to homes across the south of England and Wales on behalf of a wide range of local authorities, housing associations and the Ministry of Defence.

AJ Eaton, divisional director for Mi-space, was very happy the company was chosen.

“We are very pleased to have been selected to deliver services for Stroud District Council, safeguarding the jobs of local people,” said Mr Eaton.

“We look forward to working with colleagues at Stroud and local stakeholders to drive improvements in the service as well as improving the homes of Stroud District Council residents.

“This contract compliments Mi-space’s existing local work and builds on the reputation for delivering industry leading performance and customer service in the housing sector.”

Stroud District Council is the only local authority in Gloucestershire to own and manage its own homes.

The Mi-Space contract affects around 2,567 homes in areas including Nailsworth, Dursley, Cam, Minchinhampton, Berkeley and Wotton under Edge. Council homes in the north of the district are maintained by NKS Contracts (Central) Ltd.