CP2528-24 Maintenance and Improvement of Public Rights of Way Framework 2025 - 2029

Description

To provide maintenance and improvement works to approximately 5 000 km of Public Rights of Way (comprising footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways), 230 km of off-road recreational trail network (for example, the Tarka Trail) and 590 km of minor road network (mainly unmetalled) including the South West Coast Path National Trail, for which it is responsible along with the areas covered by the Stover Country Park and Grand Western Canal Country Park or other land requiring works. The Framework Agreement may also be used by both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities to maintain some or all of the public rights of way within their park boundaries under an Agency Agreement with Devon County Council and it may be that works are ordered by either the Dartmoor or Exmoor National Park Authorities or Devon County Council through this arrangement." Parish and Town Councils may also need to use the Framework for path works carried out on behalf of Devon County Council. Multiple appropriately skilled, competent contractors are required to carry out routine, reactive and planned maintenance and improvement works across Devon, to a value of up to £120,000 per scheme - ranging from seasonal vegetation cuts to path establishment works, but also allowing for related work such as path inspections and drafting of Orders for temporary closures and/or path diversions. Total annual spend is in the region of £1.5m, including a high proprtion of lower value work of less than £5,000. The current Framework enables selection of contractors on a geographical basis (e.g. at District level), and the aspiration is that the new Framework also allows for this. Lot 1: Lot 1: Work Activities which will include Vegetation Clearance and Typical Maintenance and Improvement Activities (Service Group A). and Work Activities involving the use of Chainsaw Equipment including Tree Works (up to 380 mm diameter and ground based works only) (Service Group B). Lot 2: Lot 2: Work Activities which will include more extensive works such as path surfacing, drainage and bridge installation, involving the use of heavier machinery and equipment (Service Groups C and D) Lot 3: Lot 3: Work Activities requiring technical expertise such as path inspections (planned and reactive), applying for permits and permissions (e.g., planning consent, and environmental permits), and assessing proposals for and drafting of path orders.