WORK to upgrade existing worn out pathways using a material made of recycled rubber started this week.

As part of Newbury Town Council’s (NTC) ongoing commitment to invest in City Recreation Ground, work started on September 1 with contractors, Star Rubber Environmental Ltd.

It will take around five weeks to complete.

READ ALSO: Newbury Town Council asking volunteers to help cut wildflower meadow.

The council said 'Agri-Flex’ is a 100 per cent recycled rubber product that has been developed to be bound together with high-grade polymer resins to create a strong, durable and long lasting surface that resembles the look of aggregate and can be used within landscaping areas.

NTC said for pathways, this material is more user-friendly as it acts as a safer surface with slip resistance.

With porosity, Agri-Flex retains oxygen and nutrients for the root system.

It will not create trip points due to root heave and will not trap food or discarded sharp/broken glass.

This porous quality also reduces the risk of flooding, run-off or puddles, compared to tarmac or concrete.

Councillor Martin Colston, Leader of the Council, said: “We are very proud of Newbury’s open spaces and are committed to providing outstanding parks, playgrounds and public spaces and this includes investing in City Recreation Ground.

"The use of recycled rubber to upgrade these paths demonstrates the council’s environmental commitment.

"The new pathways will form part of a fitness trail with exercise equipment which will be installed later in the year.

"Users of the area will see some disruption during this time, but it will most definitely be worth it.”

He continued: “There are also plans for a new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area), and the existing children’s play area will be upgraded.

READ ALSO: Reading coronavirus: no more cases recorded.

"We will also be installing solar lighting and we hope to achieve Green Flag status for the area in the future as we have done at Victoria Park.

"All of these works form part of the council’s ongoing programme of CIL expenditure (Community Infrastructure levies).

"These are funds which we have received from developers as conditions of their planning permissions, so there is no cost to our residents or council Taxpayers.”