The council has produced a feasibility study on contracting out its road maintenance work and a final decision will be made on the move in June.

An industry open day is also planned on February 28 to gauge interest among companies interested in tendering for the job.

The council has not decided whether the work will go to a single operator or a slew of different private contractors.

Work up for grabs under the £30m contract includes: “All highway maintenance functions including routine maintenance, surfacing, emergency response, technical inspections, grounds maintenance (excluding landscaping), drainage, duct installations, street lighting, winter maintenance, lining, unlit traffic signage, illuminated traffic signs and bollards, gully emptying and environmental improvements.”

Firms who register their interest will be invited to the open day.

To register visit www.in-tendhost.co.uk/miltonkeynescouncil and for more information contact The Council of the Borough of Milton Keynes, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, For the attention of: Contracts and Procurement Group, MK9 3EJ Milton Keynes. Telephone: +44 1908691691 E-mail: [email protected]