A Lichfield business has been highlighting its work to improve the state of Britain’s roads.
Wrekin Products, based on Britannia Business Park have been developing ways to prevent manhole covers from failing and causing potholes.
They were visited by Conservative parliamentary candidate Michael Fabricant who was shown some of the work being carried out.
The company’s sales director Simon Turner said: “You’ve only got to drive down the road to see how many potholes are caused by failing manhole covers. Although the average cost to fix a pothole is £50, replacing a manhole cover on a main road can be as much as £1,000.
“Michael really listened to the issues around potholes. He was interested in how we are working with industry groups to try and raise manhole cover standards in the UK.”
Wrekin Products – which moved to the city at the start of 2014 – also designs and manufactures gully grates and geotextiles.
Mr Fabricant said: “I was fascinated to visit Wrekin and meet all the management, design, and warehouse staff.
“I learned a lot about manhole covers and in particular how important it is for them to be stable to avoid potholes and road noise.
“We talked about the design of manhole covers and I sent them a photo of a manhole cover I took in Israel because of its interesting design. I must be the only candidate they have ever met who has taken a photo of a manhole cover while on holiday!”
The candidates standing in the Lichfield constituency in May are:
- Andy Bennetts – Class War
- Michael Fabricant – Conservatives
- Robert Pass – Green Party
- John Rackham – UKIP
- Paul Ray – Lib Dem
- Chris Worsey – Labour
