SEMBCORP Bournemouth Water has begun a partnership with Kier which will see the contractor doing work on its behalf.

Kier’s tasks will include laying water mains and installing meters, as well as repair and maintenance. Kier was picked following a competitive tendering process. A new jointly-branded livery will appear on its vans and staff uniforms.

Sembcorp Bmth Water supplies drinking water to nearly half a million people from Poole and Bournemouth to Beaulieu, and north to parts of Salisbury.

Roger Harrington, the company’s managing director, said: “Kier's experience and reputation in the industry are considerable, but more importantly, their approach to customer service is aligned to ours, which will ensure service delivery excellence for our customers.”