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Wandle Housing Association appoints Mears to deliver estates services and cleaning

Mears Group has been awarded a contract by Wandle Housing Association to deliver estate services and cleaning across its portfolio of 6,000 homes across South London.The contract covers grounds maintenance as well as internal and external cleaning of communal areas in blocks and estates in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley and Croydon.Beginning in April 2013, the contract is for two years with the option to extend for a further two. The deal, worth £4 million, was confirmed following a competitive tendering process. It is the first time the two organisations have worked together.A key element to Wandle’s procurement of goods and services is the added value its partners contribute to its social value and local communities. As part of Wandle’s commitment to employment and training, more than twenty staff from the existing contractor will transfer to Mears at the start of the contract. Apprenticeship opportunities have also been agreed as part of the contract, as well as local labour opportunities for Wandle residents and people living in the surrounding areas.Mears will get underway with immediate improvements to estate services across Wandle’s stock. Plans of all the estates, which will map the grounds maintenance requirements, will be produced as a priority. TerraQuest, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mears, which specialises in this field, will carry this out. Operatives will use Personal Digital Assistants to manage the routine visits and to respond quickly and efficiently to remove fly tipping and graffiti.Gary Bellenger, Head of Asset Management at Wandle, said: “Wandle is working hard to meet its vision of shaping vibrant communities. We aim to deliver the best services and provide great places where our residents want to live. Cleaning, gardening and communal maintenance are particular priorities for many of our residents. We know this because we involve them in the design of services contracts and invite them to be part of the decision making process when we go out to tender. Our residents panels will be reviewing the contract regularly to ensure the surrounding environments across our stock are clean, safe and pleasant places to live.”Jerry Lipscombe, Estates Services Director at Mears, said: “We are very excited about working with Wandle Housing Association and their residents to enhance the environment in which people live. Our experience in cleaning and grounds maintenance plus our commitment to excellent customer service will make a real difference.”

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