Amey is the incumbent highways maintenance firm for the area contract, which is now coming up for renewal after a one-year extension to the previous seven-year deal.

The term highways contract covers routine and planned maintenance of Hampshire’s 5,000-mile roads and footways outside Portsmouth and Southampton, excluding the motorways and trunk roads which are maintained by the national Highways Agency.

The council plans to shortlist three to five contractors to bid for the next term, which is due to start in August 2017.

There will be a presentation to prospective tenderers on Friday 12 February at Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB.

Tender documents will be issued to shortlisted contractors in April. Firms can register an interest via the In-Tend website or contact Steve Spender – tel: 01962 382409.