UKIP MEP Julia Reid has slammed Wiltshire Council for rejecting a motion to hold an independent enquiry into a failed £150m highways contract that was brought to an end two years early.

The Wiltshire-based MEP said the sorry saga over the contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places is a major embarrassment to the county.

Towns and villages across the county have been unhappy with BBLP's grass-cutting provision ever since it took on the five-year contract with Wiltshire Council in 2013.

The contract between Wiltshire Council and BBLP came to an end two years early by mutual consent in September.

Dr Julia Reid MEP, who is also a councillor on Calne Town Council, said: “This shambolic BBLP saga needs to be examined through the holding of an independent inquiry.

“Local taxpayers deserve better and indeed Wiltshire deserves better. The appearance of an area is crucial if we want to attract further, much-needed, investment into the county.

“Overgrown bushes and hedges is not a good advertisement for the area and I call on Wiltshire Council, who should be embarrassed by this whole situation, to pull its socks up and ensure proper highways maintenance and grass-cutting provision is delivered.”

Philip Whitehead, cabinet member for highways and transport said at the council meeting that an independent inquiry would be unnecessary as the contract would be considered by scrutiny.

He added an enquiry could cost anywhere between £25,000-60,000.

The motion was defeated with 27 votes to 55, with two councillors abstaining.