Kier has been confirmed as preferred bidder for the contract to provide repairs and maintenance service to Sheffield City Council tenants and leaseholders for the next three years.

The company currently holds this contract but it is due to expire next March.

The finer details of the deal will now be agreed by the Council and Kier over the next month with the new contract set to be formally signed in mid-December.

Councillor Harry Harpham, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods said: “We have been through a thorough tendering process and Kier was chosen as the preferred bidder against three other major companies.

“Discussions over the next month should prove to be positive and we will be in a position to sign the new contract before Christmas, which should be very good news for Kier staff and their families.

“It would also provide welcome continuity for Council house tenants who have been used to the service provided by Kier in the last few years.”

Kier Regional Operations Director, Phil Oades added: “We are delighted to be have this exciting opportunity to continue working alongside Sheffield City Council, helping to achieve the objectives and aspirations for the city, its tenants and residents.

“We are proud of our shared successes over the last 11 years and look forward to building on these achievements by bringing innovative solutions and further service improvements.”