USE: IMMEDIATE                                                             ISSUE DATE: MONDAY 30 MAY 2005

The 400 vehicles in the ownership of The Highland Council in the Inverness Area are now maintained under one roof – thanks to a £370,000 investment by TEC Services, which is providing a more efficient and cost effective service.

A workshop, stores and offices at 33 Lotland Street, Inverness, have been extended and upgraded to accommodate the maintenance of the Council’s fleet of gritters, refuse, street lighting and grounds maintenance vehicles, vans and minibuses, which operate within the City of Inverness and Area.

A total of 17 staff are based at the new premises.

Previously, the vehicles were maintained on two sites, at Diriebught as well as Lotland Street

In opening the refurbished workshop facility, Councillor David Munro, Vice Chairman of TEC Services, said the amalgamation of the two vehicle workshops had significantly increased the efficiency of the vehicle maintenance operation in the Inverness area in a cost effective way.

He said: "The facilities are very much improved, which benefit our own staff and our customers."

The project involved extending the existing workshop, and incorporated office space, staff messing facilities and a stores building. The contract included replacing the old, leaking roof, installing modern heating, lighting and ventilation systems and up to date equipment.

Councillor Munro said: "The outcome is a modern workshop facility with improved equipment and sufficient space to carry out the servicing and maintenance of the full range of Inverness Area vehicles and plant.The new office block includes up to date ICT equipment with the new store providing an effective supply system."

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Date Last updated : 31/05/05