Work undertaken by KBI UK Ltd for the Canal & River Trust has been praised by local Councillors and members of the trust’s management. The project, which involved laying over a mile of the supplier’s KBI Flexi-Pave material, saw the regeneration of the tow path running alongside the Northampton stretch of the Grand Union Canal.
Over 7,500 recycled car tyres were used in the material that was laid, which has created a safe and accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians. The new path also provides access for disabled users.
In addition to the vastly improved look of the path, the use of the permeable KBI Flexi-Pave material means that the path will not suffer from any standing water, maintaining access all year round. It will also require minimal maintenance, with the rubber element of the material and its unique bonding agent ensuring that the path can adjust to any ground movement or subterranean tree root growth.
Cllr David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “Our canal paths were important transport links that helped Northampton grow. Industry no longer needs the canals, but they have found new life as footpaths, cycle ways and places to relax. The improvements and upgrades will help more people enjoy our towpaths, connecting communiti es and making it easier for people to come into the heart of our town centre.”
James Clifton, enterprise manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The new surface will really improve the tow path for everyone who uses it. The canal is a haven for wildlife, so it’s great we can complement that by using a really environmentally friendly method. It’s a good way to reuse something that would otherwise have been sent to landfill and give these tyres a second lease of life.”
