DUTCH based Continental Landscapes has lost the contract to tend Fenland’s parks and open spaces.

Their seven year contract – worth millions of pounds over that period- has gone to Berkshire based English Landscapes.

The British firm has won a five year contract with Fenland Council worth an estimated �500,000 a year.

Confirmation of the change – due to take effect on November 1- will be given to Fenland’s overview and scrutiny performance panel next Thursday.

Richard Cassidy, corporate director, says the contract has been awarded following a “vigorous European procurement” process held in conjunction with Roddons Housing Association.

“When applied to existing outputs in the current grounds maintenance contract, the rates guaranteed by English Landscapes would see a saving of approximately 10 per cent to the council,” says Mr Cassidy.

He also promises residents will see “an improvement in the quality and efficiency of service delivery”.

The grounds maintenance contract is the largest outsourced service for the council and Mr Cassidy says a tight timetable is now in place given the “risk if handover to the new contractor did not take place on November 1.”

Continental Landscapes Ltd was formed in 1989 and is a member of the Dutch based Krinkels Holding BV operating in Western Europe in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, France and the UK

Since 1989 Continental Landscapes Ltd has grown substantially in size and reputation. The company says it has developed significantly and now has a turnover in the range of �25million employing 800 people.

English Landscapes, meanwhile, claims a combined turnover of almost �40 million and employing on average over 700 staff and says it has won almost 100 national awards.