WORK on the new council depot in Winchester reached a milestone when the steel frame of the new workshop and offices was completed.

Rob Humby, deputy leader of Winchester City Council, was on hand to accept an engraved memento recording the event from Andy Wright, project manager from Gentle Consulting, the company that is managing the £2m construction work at Barfield Close, Bar End.

Cllr Humby, who used to work in the steel fabrication industry, was particularly pleased to see how the council’s investment was delivering economic activity which is helping to support employment in local businesses.

The new depot is being built to replace the old premises on Bar End Road and will be the operating base for Biffa and The Landscape Group, who undertake refuse collection, grounds and street maintenance under contract to Winchester City Council and East Hampshire District Council.

In spite of recent poor weather the construction of the new depot remains on target for completion in July.