A ROAD recently resurfaced using a new technique involving recycled car tyres was recently visited by Anthony Higginbotham, MP for Burnley.

Lancashire County Council has been trialling an innovative asphalt mix using granulated rubber created by Tarmac and recently resurfaced Abingdon Road in Padiham with it.

Mr Higginbotham met with County Councillor Charlie Edwards at the site as he was interested in learning more about the process and seeing the finished result.

The addition of the ground rubber from old, spent tyres, means less fossil fuel derived bitumen is used, as well as less energy due to the lower temperatures used.

It delivers the same performance and surface characteristics as traditional materials but is more environmentally friendly.

Cllr Charlie Edwards, who is cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, said: "I was proud to show Burnley’s MP Anthony Higginbotham how we have used this innovative technique for the first time on a Lancashire highway. 

"It was useful to speak to members of our Highways team and discover this material not only has environmental benefits, but it can also help to reduce cracking and increase flexibility in the road.

"It's a priority for us to reduce our carbon footprint in maintaining Lancashire's roads by using new materials and technologies, and this year we are predicted to save 332 tonnes of CO2 through these new innovative processes throughout the county."

Mr Higginbotham added: "It’s good to see the county council are rolling out investment in Burnley and Padiham’s roads.

"And I’m glad to see them using new methods which means we can get roads repaired in a quicker and more cost-effective way.

"One of biggest frustrations and concerns for residents is road quality, so it was productive to speak with Charlie Edwards.

"I was able to raise the roads within our borough where this would make the biggest difference and will continue to do so in the hope we see it rolled out more widely."