The seven year deal is worth up to £21m annually with an option for a three-year extension depending on peformance.

Kier will start the new contract in April.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport said: “We are pleased to award our Highways and Term Services contact to Kier following a lengthy and detailed procurement process.

“Our highways and transport team have been working hard for over a year to ensure that the procurement process and the development of the overall contract for these key services was carried out thoroughly and effectively.

“We’re confident we have found the best contractor for this work and we look forward to working with them to deliver the best possible highways maintenance services for the people of Shropshire.

“There are some mobilisation matters to finalise over the forthcoming months and we will be working jointly with Kier to finalise all the necessary details before they start work in April next year.”