Valued at £6m a year, the contract is scheduled to start in February and will see Tarmac deliver highways surfacing, bridge and structures maintenance, gully cleansing as well as footway and carriageway repairs.

Paul Fleetham, Tarmac Contracting managing director said: “We have a highly-skilled and experienced team which is looking forward to working with colleagues at Knowsley to deliver a first class service across the borough.”

Knowsley Council will draw upon the company’s extensive resources and ability to self-deliver bituminous and concrete materials, surfacing, planing and asset management services as well as its recycling capabilities.

Cllr Mike Murphy, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: “Knowsley’s highway is one of the council’s most valuable assets so it is vital that we have the correct provision in place to ensure this is maintained.

“We have recently been recognised as the best overall performer in the National Highways and Transport Survey 2015 and the new contract with Tarmac will deliver direct efficiencies for the council and will give us a more flexible approach to the service, which is critical to our continued success in the current financial climate. It will also positively support the local economy through employing local apprentices and using local sub-contractors.”

The contract award builds upon recent successes in the North West in Halton and Warrington.