Mears scoops repairs deal after Morrison loss

Southwark Council appointed Mears on an interim basis after it cancelled its £9.5 million a year contract with Morrison in April.

The appointment is the first step for the council on the implementation of a new repairs and maintenance process.

‘Although the repairs service is improving, it still has some way to go to achieve the quality of service that we, and residents, can be proud of,’ said Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing at Southwark. ‘We are looking to Mears to work with us to raise standards and improve customer service in the short-term while we put in place arrangements for the long-term future.’

Mears and Morrison will work together on site until October. After that, Mears will continue to work as sole contractor until October 2013 when  a new permanent provider will be named following a fresh procurement process.

Alan Long, executive director at Mears, said: ‘Mears has a good reputation in delivering a high standard of customer service. We are experienced in mobilising contracts quickly under short-term interim agreements.’

Morrison, which has had a 12-year relationship with Southwark Council, has said it would bid for the new contract.