Street sweeping, bin emptying and grass cutting in parts of Somerset are now officially back in the council's hands — and if you spot more branded vans around, that's why.

From 1 June, Somerset Council has taken over street cleaning and grounds maintenance services in the former Mendip area — including Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street and Wells — after 13 years of the work being outsourced to private firm idverde.

The council says the move will lead to "unified and efficient maintenance" of public spaces across the patch, with more local team members delivering services like litter picking, play park upkeep, grass cutting and fly-tipping removal.

The officers previously employed by idverde have been transferred to the council under TUPE rules. Some responsibilities are also being handed to local authorities including Frome Town Council, Glastonbury Town Council and Wells City Council.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset's lead member for communities, housing and culture, said the change would allow a more joined-up approach across the county.

"This move will align our ground maintenance operations across the county. It means we can coordinate resources and offer unified, direct delivery of services for residents," she said.

"Working together with town and city councils has been a fantastic success story. This collaborative approach means valued services continue to be delivered."

She also thanked outgoing contractor idverde for its "commitment to the area over the past 13 years".

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If you spot a street care issue — like overgrown verges, overflowing bins or missed road sweeping — you can report it directly via Somerset Council's website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/environment-and-food-safety/#street-care-and-grounds-maintenance