Rochford District Council’s new Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) has been awarded its first contract by an external organisation, as part of a concentrated effort to make the authority less reliant on government funding.

The authority set up Green Gateway Trading Ltd in December 2016 to enable it to generate income at a time when public sector resources are scarce.

Its subsidiary company, Green Gateway Trading (GM) Ltd, will now be carrying out the grounds maintenance work for Barling Magna Parish Council’s open spaces after undergoing a successful tender process.

This will include grass cutting, verge cutting, hedge trimming and litter picking in open spaces.

Dawn Tribe Chairman of Directors at Green Gateway Trading (GM) Ltd, said:  “This new company has made an excellent start in undertaking the grounds maintenance work for Rochford District Council, and I am pleased to say that we are going from strength to strength.

"I am delighted that we will be now taking on a new contract and look forward to providing a high quality service to Barling Magna Parish Council in the near future.”

Cllr George Ioannou, who has acted as ‘Member Sponsor’ for the LATCo project, said: “The commercial spirit shown by our staff at Rochford District Council has been very pleasing to see, as this will enable us to thrive in what are particularly challenging times with regards to local authority finances. Their income-generating efforts will help to ensure that we can continue to provide a top-rate service to our residents in the years to come.”

Cllr Mandy Cohen, Chairman of Barling Magna Parish Council, said: "The tender received from Green Gateway Trading (GM) Ltd. was not only comprehensive but extremely competitive and Barling Magna Parish Council look forward to a successful working partnership with the company in the future".