A contractor who was fined more than £47,000 by Fenland District Council for failing to keep parks and open spaces tidy has been told the penalty will be slashed to £12,350.

A £35,000 chunk has been taken off Tivoli’s bill, following a review by the council who said it was reduced in ‘the spirit of working together’.

Tivoli is responsible for maintenance of grassed areas, herbaceous borders, hedges, cemeteries and play areas across the district.

A council spokesman said: “Fenland District Council has reviewed the performance related penalties issued to Tivoli following a request from the contractor to review the level of fines imposed over a particular three month period last summer.

“The review was assessed by the council’s audit Team and as a result the penalties for that period were reduced.

“Despite the reduction, the council held Tivoli very much to account in terms of its performance last year, with a total financial penalty level of just below £40,000.”

The spokesman said: “In recent months the performance of the contractor has improved markedly, with no financial penalties being applied since November 2018 and the relationship between both parties being very productive.

“Current performance is very promising with grass rounds being completed on time and Fenland looking very tidy as the summer season gets underway.

“The council will continue to hold contractors to account if they do not deliver on their obligations, whilst working together with contractors to deliver the very best services possible for local residents.”

The council has now reviewed matters and reduced the performance related penalties issued to Tivoli for August 2018 to October 2018 from £47,645 to £12,350.

The review was carried out by the internal audit team.

Nigel Payne, regional director for Tivoli, said: “We are very proud of our partnership with Fenland District Council, and are committed to delivering a quality service which everyone can be proud of.

“Our main focus for 2019 will be to deliver a grounds maintenance service of the highest standard to the Fenland communities, and provide the right culture of continuous improvement, efficiencies and value for money to the district and its residents.”