Some Stalbridge residents are wondering why some of the roads seem to be 'upside down', with the tar underneath and the chippings on the top and are not best pleased with the result. We thought we would try and find out why. So it appears that this method of repairing roads is called "Surface Dressing" as opposed to "Micro Asphalt". Surface dressing involves spraying down a sticky bitumen coating on a dry road surface. then stone chippings are spread on top. The surface is then rolled in order to embed the stone chippings into the bitumen.
Some loose stones remain on the road surface for some days.  In theory the weight of vehicles passing over the loose stones again and again will squash them in to the bitumen to finish off the new road surface.  As you might guess, the edges of the roads in Stalbridge that have been re-surfaced this way may not get much traffic and therefore take a long time to 'bed down'.
It seems that there are some good reasons for using this method. Apparently:
It provides a non-skid and therefore safer road surface.
It seals and waterproofs the road.
It can extend the life of the road surface by over 10 years.
In addition, there seem to be cost benefits to using this method:
it is a relatively quick process.
It is also substantially cheaper than other methods of maintaining roads.
And the disadvantages of this method?
We will leave those up to you to discuss!
And if you have got to the end of this without falling asleep.....
Here is a video of someone explaining everything about it...entitled "Getting a grip on Surface Dressing"

Stalbridge History Society Talks resume this Saturday with their long awaited presentation on Friendly Societies. Phillip Hoyland will talk about their history, their role in village life and the significance of their brass pole-head emblems. The talk takes place at The Congregational Church in Station Road this Saturday 4th September, with doors opening at 10.30am and talk at 11.00am. £3 entry for non-members. Free parking is in the Hub car park in Station Road.