Inverclyde councillors have agreed to secure a unique and sustainable system for dealing with potholes on its road network.

"Rhinopatch" is considered a "right first time" method of repair which should eliminate recurring potholes and reduce the amount of disruption experienced by road users while repairs are carried out.

Convener of the Safe Sustainable Communities Committee Councillor Robert Moran said: "There is no doubt potholes are a real problem in Inverclyde. In an ideal world we would like to spend £25m on our roads over the next five years to bring them up to maintainable standards but that is simply money we haven't got.

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"However, Rhinopatch offers us an effective system to improve our roads whilst offering best value to the Council and Council Tax payers."

Rhinopatch utilises an infrared heating process which produces permanent and joint-free repairs. It will reduce the need for freshly quarried materials, reduce waste material, reduce associated noise levels, reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and cut costs.

Councillor Moran added: "We all get frustrated about potholes but I am confident this new system will really make a difference. It has the added bonus of being more environmentally friendly than traditional methods and is quicker too."

The Rhinopatch system has a Highways Authority Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) certificate. This is significant in terms of the system’s effectiveness and sustainability.

It is estimated Inverclyde Council will save £59,000 on its road repairs bill by using the new system.

(GK/JM)