VEOLIA has been chosen as Southend Council’s waste contractor for the next fifteen and a half years.

Councillors made the unanimous decision yesterday evening, meaning the company will replace Cory Environmental in recycling, waste and street cleaning services from October 5, subject to the award being formally awarded and a ten-day “standstill” period required under European law.

The contract includes a break clause after eight years and, according to the council, will deliver significant savings as well as a number of improvements in service.

Waste councillor Martin Terry said: “Throughout this process, our aim has been to secure the company that can best serve the interests of Southend in the long term.

“This thorough, proper and comprehensive procurement process has ensured just that and we are delighted to announce Veolia as the preferred bidder who has a first class track record, and subject to the relevant processes being completed I look forward to working with them.

“Veolia has committed to further improving upon our recycling rates, maintaining weekly collections, delivering a first-class service to our residents and businesses, maintaining an attractive street scene across the borough and providing the best possible value for council tax-payers’ money by delivering significant savings.

“Residents can also be assured that services will remain uninterrupted. “To deliver savings, whilst getting an expanded and improved service cannot be underestimated in a time of on-going central Government cuts.

“It is also important to add that staff working for our current contractor, Cory Environmental, will transfer to the new contractor, therefore protecting local employment.”

Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia’s senior executive vice president in the British Isles added: “We are extremely pleased to be announced as preferred bidder and are looking forward to working in partnership with Southend Council to deliver increased recycling rates and high quality services for all residents.”

The new contract includes the following services:

• Waste and Recycling Collection Services

• Operation of Household Waste Recycling Centres

• Street and Beach Cleaning

• Gully Cleaning and Emptying

• Winter Maintenance

• Cleaning of Public Toilets

• Graffiti Removal Services

• Weed Spraying and removal

• Build and operation of a Waste Transfer Station

• Provision for commercial waste services