Council gets £20k to tackle chewing gum litter

Four councils previously awarded the grant saw littering reductions of up to 60% in the first two months, it has been claimed

A local authority has been awarded a grant to tackle discarded chewing gum on its streets.

Rushmoor Borough Council received £20,000 from the Chewing Gum Task Force (CGTF) to clean gum off pavements and prevent future littering by encouraging bin use.

Four councils previously awarded the grant saw littering reductions of up to 60% in the first two months, according to analysis by the CGTF.

“It’s going to make a real difference in Aldershot town centre,” said Councillor Becky Williams.

'A long-standing issue'

Rushmoor is one of 54 councils across the country that have successfully applied to CGTF, now in its third year, for funds to clean gum off pavements.

Ms Williams said: “To truly make a lasting impact, we know it's important to combine street cleaning with positive messaging that encourages everyone to dispose of their gum properly.

“We'll also be keeping a close watch on the cleaned areas to ensure they stay tidy.”

Cleaning up chewing gum costs UK councils some £7m, a 2021 report by the climate NGO WRAP found.

About 77% of England’s streets and 99% of retail sites are stained with gum, according to the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The CGTF is funded by major gum manufacturers, including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle, who have pledged to invest £10m over five years.