Maidstone Borough Council, in collaboration with sustainable materials company Recool, has launched a trial using recycled clothes to repair potholes. The initiative is currently testing a material derived from recycled textile waste in Mote Park and Penenden Heath.
Five potholes have been repaired using this experimental, low-carbon product. Two repairs are located in Mote Park and three in Penenden Heath. The material fills most of the pothole, with a specialist surfacing layer applied on top.
The pilot is confined to council-owned land and does not extend to public roads, which are maintained by Kent County Council. Rachel Rodwell, cabinet member for climate transition and nature recovery, stated that this project explores a practical solution to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
The council plans to monitor the repairs over the coming months to evaluate their performance under regular park use and varying weather conditions.