THOUSANDS of pounds in taxpayers cash is expected to be saved after a council struck a deal for its large lorries to be serviced at a local factory.

All City of York Council vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes - including gritters, waste and refuse trucks - will have their annual MOT carried out at confectioner Nestle’s vehicle workshop, an annual saving of about £5,000.

Local cabinet member for environmental services, Coun David Levene, said: “Every little penny we can save by joining forces with locally-based businesses is benefiting York residents by building on next year’s round of budget savings.”

Nestlé became the first vehicle workshop in North Yorkshire to become an authorised testing centre in March 2011. Previously, vehicles were tested in Wetherby.

Graham Lyon, fleet manager for Nestlé, said the company had been keen to look for partners to share in its on-site centre, and First Bus had been one of the first to come on board.

“We are really pleased to welcome City of York Council and the benefit it will bring to the council and York residents.”