THE company responsible for renovating Hounslow's roads and pavements is teaming up with utility firms in an effort to reduce closures and disruption to residents and businesses.

Hounslow Highways has signed up for collaborative working agreements with power, water and cabling providers to share road space and carry out works at the same time.

It means roads will be closed less often and public money saved when carrying out repairs and changes to the network.

The company, which signed a contract with Hounslow worth £800 million, has also agreed to replace manhole covers on behalf of Thames Water when carrying out road surfacing - saving the water firm the need to come on a separate occasion and close the road itself.

Hounslow Highways Service Director Rob Gillespie said: "Joining up with other organisations and the work they do is more efficient for the utility companies, more efficient for Hounslow Highways, and it is a win for local residents. Any way to reduce disruption to residents while our huge programme of works takes place is a positive move.

"Given that we are carrying out works on 85% of the borough’s roads, 75% of the footpaths and 16,000 street lights in the next five years, it is important we work together."

Councillor Colin Ellar said: “I am glad to see Hounslow Highways taking a lead and coordinating road works with utilities. This is good news for residents and motorists who get caught up in traffic caused by uncoordinated road works.” 

Last week Cappagh Browne, a contractor for Thames Water, carried out footpath works in Hibernia Road, Hounslow, while it was already closed for street lighting installations.