Forrest will help the Cheshire-based housing association to deliver more than 30 miles of perimeter fencing to 4,000 different properties over the next for years.

The other two contractors on the framework are P Casey and George Cox and Sons but Forrest has sole responsibility for delivery during the first year.

Work will include single access and driveway gates for neighbourhoods across Runcorn and Widnes.

Forrest already has a place on Halton’s £40m  ‘Beyond The Garden Gate’ neighbourhood investment programme.

Mark Lyons, Managing Director at Forrest, said: “Halton Housing Trust is dedicated to improving the environments in which their customers live and this framework is the latest in a long line of investments in its communities.

“For us, this agreement is testament to our own commitment to building lasting partnerships with our clients by delivering high quality projects and working responsibly within their neighbourhoods.”

Noel Sharpe, Halton Housing Trust’s Executive Director of Customer Services, said: “The Trust is delighted to be working with Forrest on both schemes and we are confident that Forrest’s knowledge and expertise in this market will add significant value to our customers and their homes.”