PLASTIC could be used to tackle the area’s pothole epidemic.

The Barrhead News can reveal East Renfrewshire Council officials are in talks with a firm that would use unrecyclable plastic to replace the traditional asphalt surface.

A council spokesman said: “We’ve been aware of the use of unrecyclable plastic in roads resurfacing for some time and have already met the leading developer of this technology. We are considering how this could be implemented.”

Similar schemes are already in place in Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria, while a plastic roads initiative is also being trialled in Fife.

High-profile investors such as tennis star Sir Andy Murray have also backed the idea since it first surfaced.

Councillor David Macdonald, who represents Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood, said: “I am in favour of this.

“What would be even better is that we could become the first local authority to directly make the pellets from our own residents’ plastic, within a purpose-built facility in the council area.

“That way, it really feels like we are taking direct action.

“Roads in East Renfrewshire are by far the worst I have ever experienced in Scotland and they don’t look like improving any time soon.

“If we can adopt a new material that is more resilient and less likely to break apart, while also saving on cost, then it’s a no-brainer.

“If council leaders are as progressive as they keep saying they are, then I would hope they would put their money where their mouth is and act on it.”

Manufacturers of the new technology say that, along with the environmental benefits, residents will notice a difference in the quality of roads.

Existing makers of the small plastic pellets that are transformed into road surfaces claim their product improves strength and durability, while reducing the quantity of the oil-based bitumen used in a traditional road mix.

Reducing the amount of plastic being wasted within East Renfrewshire could also save the council, and local businesses, significant sums in Scottish Landfill Tax.