Five contractors will be fighting to renew their places on the major project element of the framework which is estimated to deliver a total spend of £400m over four years.

These are Eurovia, Interserve, Kier, Jackson and Morgan Sindall.

Essex County Council is leading the procurement for the local authorities and plans to formally start the tender race in June.

The current arrangement that involves a full panel of a dozen firms, including six smaller specialists for smaller works up to £1.5m, is due to end next year.

For more information email Dawn Gower at the council team.