Andrew Mitchell MP has met with Mark Saunders, Regional Business Director from Amey, to discuss the company’s 25-year highways maintenance contract with Birmingham City Council and what the appointment means for Sutton Coldfield and its residents. Mr Mitchell arranged the meeting following Amey’s successful bid to become Birmingham’s highways contractor last year. Mr Mitchell discussed Amey’s 25-year service delivery period which will see them undertake the improvement and repair of roads in Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham, the maintenance of footways, bridges, street lighting and traffic signals as well as the upkeep of street scenery such as safety barriers, seats and trees. Andrew also raised issues of particular concern to his constituents, such as the repair of pot holes on Sutton’s roads. Andrew Mitchell stressed that the contractor must work closely with Sutton’s Councillors, who lead on such issues locally, as well as Birmingham City Council’s Highways service in order to reduce congestion and improve safety throughout the town. Sutton’s MP also sought reassurances that whilst improvement works to roads and pavements are being undertaken, Amey will try to minimise congestion for commuters and members of the public, keeping people’s journeys as smooth and safe as possible. Andrew Mitchell MP said, “Highways maintenance is of significant importance to many of my constituents so this was a good opportunity to convey to Amey their views and concerns. I was assured that Amey will continue to work closely with our Councillors in the best interests of Sutton, not only so that our roads and footways reach the standards people expect but also so that traffic management strategies for the road network are improved.” If a member of the public needs to report a street fault or requires any information on a highways issue, they should contact: www.birmingham.gov.uk/highways or call 0121 303 6644.