Community Connections Strengthened in Waterhouses

The Brief

Aggregate Industries have a long history of community projects in the area. The local Cauldon cement plant has been operating in the area for a number of years, boosting the local economy and providing employment to many of the residents.

In an effort to further support the local community, with the launch of our newest asphalt plant at Cauldon Low, Aggregate Industries and the Waterhouses Parish Council identified a poorly maintained but heavily used path in the area.

The path suffered potholes and consistent flooding making it not only difficult to use but also potentially dangerous. The path linked the local post office and school with the village allotments and play area. Located next to the local school, it’s easy to see why improvements needed to be made.

The Solution

Aggregate Industries offered to supply and install a new path using asphalt from their latest asphalt plant in Cauldon Low. This new plant uses the latest technology to reduce carbon emissions and boost asphalt production efficiencies. Additionally the plant is located at the Cauldon Low quarry, meaning virgin aggregate supply isn’t an issue. Plus, sourcing asphalt from this local facility further reduces transportation emissions.

This was the first asphalt supplied from the newly opened plant.

The Aggregate Industries contracting team arrived at the site on January 18th 2024. It was a cold morning with snow making the conditions sub-optimal however this did not prevent the operation.

Being a residential area, the team was ready to start at 8am. With the path located next to the school, the contracting team worked closely with the community to maintain access.

60 tonnes of AC32 warm mix asphalt was supplied. Lower temperatures means less power is needed to heat up and maintain the asphalt, reducing the associated carbon emissions. Typically WMA is 20° - 40° celsius lower than hot mix. You can find out more about our WMA material here.

Additionally, 40 tonnes of AC10 close graded surface course material was laid.

The project was completed on time and has dramatically improved access to the play area and allotments.

Beckie Patefield, Aggregate Industries Stakeholder Engagement Manager said: “It’s important that Aggregate Industries continues to provide support to the local communities, particularly when expanding operations in the area. We’ve got a great relationship with the Waterhouses Parish Council and the local school. We’ve already donated over £2000 this year alone which also includes a new greenhouse.”

We also produce the Cauldon Community Newsletter which is distributed to the surrounding areas. The latest edition highlights the new filter system that’s been installed at the Cauldon Cement plant. You can find out more here.

Alex Collins, Aggregate Industries Contracts Manager said: “It’s great to support our local communities with material and services in projects like these. Waterhouses and the surrounding area have helped our business grow. It’s morally important that we return the favor.”