Council get £25k to clean chewing gum from streets

A local authority has received a £25k grant to help clean up its chewing gum-stained streets.

Runnymede Borough Council in Surrey was awarded the money from the Chewing Gum Task Force, which is funded by major gum manufacturers.

According to Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the task force project, the annual gum clean-up cost for UK councils is around £7m, with about 77% of England's streets and 99% of its retail sites affected by the sticky problem.

Don Whyte, chair of the council's environment and sustainability committee, called it, "a small change with a big impact".

Runnymede is one of 52 local authorities across England which successfully applied for a grant this year.

Work in the borough will see targeted cleaning in key areas such as Guildford Street in Chertsey, Station Road in Addlestone and Egham High Street.

Whyte said: "We're pleased to take visible action against a type of litter that blights our high streets and public spaces.

"This funding allows us to invest in deep cleaning and local campaigns that not only improve the look and feel of our town centres but also encourage responsible behaviour."

As part of the campaign, new gum removal equipment is being introduced and grounds maintenance staff are receiving specialist training to ensure the work is carried out effectively and safely.

A low impact, eco-friendly steam method will also be used to avoid damaging paved surfaces, including sensitive historic stonework.

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