A TIRED and rutted car park in Whiteparish has been given a new lease of life thanks to a joint effort between Wiltshire Council and its highways contractor.

Several tonnes of donated stone were spread and levelled at Whiteparish Memorial Centre after M Group Highways teamed up with the memorial centre to re-gravel the area, improving both its appearance and day-to-day usability for visitors.

The materials were donated by Tarmac, while team members Tom, Carlos, Steve and Wayne carried out the work on site.

The project forms part of the council’s push to embed “social value” into the way it buys services.

Under this approach, contractors are expected to deliver wider community benefits alongside the core services they are paid to provide.

Social value is a key plank of the council’s Procurement Strategy (2024–2029), supported by a dedicated Social Value Procurement Policy.

The aim is to ensure that work to improve Wiltshire’s communities is built into contracts from the outset, so that residents see added benefits beyond routine maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for communities Cllr Mel Jacob said: “Councils have a responsibility to consider social value and the wider benefits it can bring our communities, and it’s something that we’re very passionate about at Wiltshire Council.

“M Group Highways are important partners for the core services they provide on our behalf, and we’re delighted they also share our vision to give something back.

“The work in Whiteparish demonstrates by working closely with our contractors, we’re able to go beyond the core services and make a tangible difference in our communities.”

Social value and communications manager at M Group Highways Tom Price said: “We were thrilled to be part of such a meaningful social value project.

“Supporting spaces like this is absolutely vital for the wellbeing and connectivity of communities, and we’re proud to have played a role in improving the area.

“It’s always rewarding to see the positive impact that teamwork, collaboration, and a shared commitment to community can achieve!”