Willmott Dixon's Group Chief Executive opened the company's new Rotherham branch from where it will manage a responsive repairs service to nearly 12,000 homes and properties.

2010 Rotherham's Operations Director Matthew Spittles and Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods, Councillor Jahangir Akhtar, welcomed Rick Willmott, who was joined by Chris Durkin, Chief Executive of Willmott Dixon Support Services, and Mick Williamson, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Partnerships, which will deliver the repairs service to council-owned property in the Rotherham areas of Wentworth South, Wentworth Valley, Rother Valley West and Rother Valley South.

2010 Rotherham's Operations Director, Matthew Spittles, said: "We are delighted that Rick Willmott has come to Rotherham. We are firmly focused on delivering three star housing services, the importance of this visit shows our staff and customers how much our new contractors are determined to succeed, to move forward into a new and successful era.

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"The externalisation of this part of our business presents a real opportunity for 2010 Rotherham, the staff involved and the Council, when customers can expect to receive good value for money services in the future, and we are looking forward to working with our new contractors over the coming years."

Rick Willmott said: "We are very excited about e starting a long-term partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and coming here is a sign of just how much we value that relationship. It also gave me a chance to meet and talk with our team who will deliver our service to residents.

"Our general manager in Rotherham, Dave Coldwell, has an exceptional track-record for running a three star rated repairs and maintenance service, most recently in Barnsley, and I know that he and the team are looking forward to replicating that in Rotherham."

Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods Councillor Jahangir Akhtar said: "We thank Rick Willmott for opening the new Willmott Dixon branch. We welcome visits like these to Rotherham as they provide a real boost to staff and herald a new beginning for our customers. During the externalisation process Rotherham Council was determined to get the best possible service for our tenants at the keenest price."

(CD)