Council to tackle discarded chewing gum on the district's streets

"Chewing gum stuck to pavements and walkways is an issue right across the country, including in North West Leicestershire."

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is putting plans in place to reduce gum littering and remove chewing gum from the district's streets.

The council's been awarded a grant of £7,200 which will be used to purchase specialist gum removal equipment and signage reminding people to bin their gum also provided as part of the grant agreement.

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Portfolio Holder for Community and Climate Change at NWLDC, said: “Chewing gum stuck to pavements and walkways is an issue right across the country, including in North West Leicestershire.

“Many of the streets, pavements and shopping areas in our towns are affected by discarded chewing gum, which can be very difficult and expensive to clean up.

“I’m pleased we’ve been successful in securing this funding. It will really help us to clean up what’s already there, and to remind people that the only suitable place to dispose of gum – and any other kind of litter – is in the bin.”

The council is one of 54 across the country to have successfully applied for funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force, administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.