The borough’s footpaths could be a “mess” because of plans to use asphalt instead of concrete paving slabs to cut costs.

Enfield Council announced last week that it would switch to using bituminous macadam – a mix of asphalt and concrete usually used for driveways – to fill in pavement ripped up for construction work or in need to replacing.

But Conservative councillors are angry that the move will lead to an ugly “patchwork” of the borough’s paths and have called for a u-turn.

Councillor Terry Neville, spokesman for environment, said: “It potentially will cause streets to be patched literally, creating what is in effect a defacement of the street scene.

“This matters to our residents and it matters to Conservatives who have always been on the side of residents – we vehemently oppose this ill thought-through proposal.”

The black asphalt has a lifespan of about ten to 15 years, compared to concrete paving which can last between 30 and 40 years, but is cheaper to buy and install, according to research carried out by the Enfield Independent.

But Councillor Chris Bond, cabinet member for environment, denied it would look ugly and said the asphalt is more flexible and does not crack as easily when drivers park on it.

He said: “It is cheaper but it’s also safer – it’s better for people in wheelchairs and it doesn’t crack.

“People have got to realise that we just don’t have the money because of the pressure the Government has put us under and if they want their pavements fixed then this is the situation.

“We’re being very careful about where we’re doing it, and I’d love to use lovely little red paving slabs but they cost an absolute fortune.”

Under the plans, asphalt would not be used in town centres or where it does not fit in with local architecture, but would be the standard material used elsewhere.

Conservative deputy leader, Councillor Henry Lamprecht, labelled the idea “completely ridiculous” and said that council taxpayers expected their money to used to keep the streets looking tidy.