This week's Courier - Fountains plc

[Mole in a Hole]

Was anyone else intrigued by the mysterious job advert in this week's Courier?
Fountains plc are looking to establish "field staff operative teams" within Argyll - Lorn, Mid Argyll, Kintyre, and Cowal.

Had a quick look at their web site to see what they actually do and found the following link

http://www.fountainsplc.com/jkcm/default.aspx?pg=21

I was particularly interested to learn of their expertise in

" the maintenance of parks and open spaces, play areas, airfields and sports facilities. Operational teams take responsibility for managing all aspects of grass cutting, flower beds, borders, hedges, sports facilities, footpaths and street scene."

Surely, after the single status disgrace, Argyll and Bute Council are not going to stoop any lower?

I hope there is another explanation and that somebody on here can shed an alternative, less sinister light on what Fountains are gearing up for?

[John S]

This group have won the contract to cut the grass for ACHA on their estates, which may well have an impact on council employees who previously did this. I would have thought that an arrangement with the council for this to continue would have been best value.

My feeling is that awarding of contracts for services like this, where it needs to be done at all, should be done on a more local level giving individuals and businesses locally the chance to break into new markets, and for all the wages generated by the contract to circulate in the local economy.

[censored]

Perhaps the council are going to see how they get on with the ACHA contract and maybe then hand them the contract for maintaining the schools, parks, and other public open spaces?

We know they're desperate to save money and as any businessman knows, your biggest expense is usually your wages bill.

[John S]

It is a concern that councils have used the so-called Best Value to legitimise the down grading and privatisation of services without thought for the effect on the community or the potential for local employment and the quality of jobs. Staff conditions are seemingly sacrificed in order to pay the profit of companies operating far from the communities they service.

[sooze]

perhaps the council weren't interested in bidding for the contract with ACHA

Sooze

[Beachcomber]

perhaps the council weren't interested in bidding for the contract with ACHA

I'm not sure that the council are even allowed to bid for outside work.