Following the announcement yesterday by Fountains plc that it had gone into administration, we want to update you about how we are continuing to provide these vital council services.
People can be assured that we have put arrangements in place to carry out all essential services for the next few days. Bins will continue to be emptied and recycling collected by Biffa.
Some of the priority work previously supplied by Fountains and which needs carrying out for public health reasons is also being done by Biffa and council staff. This includes clearing fallen trees, emptying city centre litter bins, overseeing burials and inspecting play areas.
Where residents may need to be patient with us is in relation to any planned maintenance, such as tree planting and grass cutting.
The council has almost £8 million a year to spend on these services. We will still need a local workforce to carry it out regardless of which contractor provides it.
We are in negotiations with a supplier with a view to it taking over all of these services, initially for a few months. When there are any further developments, we will let you know immediately.
We are already in contact with Jobcentre Plus and trade unions and out of the 153 workers, 137 have already given their contact details in relation to any future work. The council will be also be liaising with Jobcentre Plus and passing names on as soon as we know what is happening going forward.
