Street Parish Council is on the hunt for a new contractor to take over the cutting, cleaning and caring for its parks and play areas — but only if Somerset Council finally hands over the land.

A two-year grounds maintenance contract has gone out to tender this week, with a start date of 1 September 2025 — assuming the long-awaited devolution deal is done in time.

The job will cover a long list of local green spaces, including Goss Drive, Bove Moor, Willow Road, Ringolds Way, Woods Batch, Wraxhill Park and Mellanby Close, plus a patchwork of play areas, grass verges, and recreational land.

The council says it's looking for small or medium-sized businesses who know their way around village maintenance and can commit to keeping the town tidy and safe for residents and visitors alike.

But it's not just about mowing and bin-emptying. The successful contractor will need to show they understand biodiversity too, with a strong environmental plan and ideas for wildlife-friendly management — such as letting grass grow longer in places or cutting paths instead of mowing everything flat.

There's a hefty list of responsibilities: regular grass cutting, hedge trimming, litter picking, graffiti removal, and even keeping an eye on the play equipment. Plus there's the expectation of weekly reports, photo evidence, and quarterly review meetings.

Anyone hoping to land the gig has until midday on Friday 18 July 2025 to submit their sealed bid. The winning quote will be picked by councillors at an extraordinary meeting on 29 July, and work will kick off in September — if the paperwork with Somerset Council is signed off by then.

The council's warning is clear: no schmoozing councillors or trying to bend the rules — all contact must go through the official process.

To view the full tender details, or to download the documents, head to Find A Tender or contact the parish office.