SIX companies are competing to be chosen to maintain the network of more than 5,000 roads in the county.

Kent County Council (KCC) has shortlisted the companies Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Colas, Enterprise and May Gurney to take over from Ringway in September next year.

The new contract to maintain Kent’s highways will be awarded in May next year and run for up to 10 years.

KCC cabinet member for environment, highways and waste, Councillor Nick Chard, said: “We are looking forward to an open dialogue with these companies.

“We are keen to hear how they could help us to make Kent’s roads the best in the country, despite these difficult times with the financial challenges we are all facing.”