Councils receive funding to clean up chewing gum

Chewing gum left on pavements is a major litter issue

A project to clean discarded chewing gum from some of Surrey's streets has been launched.

Two of the county's local councils made successful bids to the Chewing Gum Task Force, run by the charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Mole Valley District and Elmbridge Borough councils were each awarded £7,000 to tackle the problem in Leatherhead, Claygate and Molesey.

The work is being funded by gum manufacturers Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle, who have provided £10m for cleaning projects across the country.

A total of 54 authorities across Britain are benefitting in 2024, the third year the scheme has been running.

It was established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with Keep Britain Tidy administering it.

It is estimated the annual national bill for cleaning up discarded chewing gum is £7m.

In July, Rushmoor Borough Council received £20,000 to deal with the problem on its streets.

Rosemary Hobbs of Mole Valley District Council demonstrates the jet washing equipment used to clean gum from pavements

Rosemary Hobbs, cabinet member for community services at Mole Valley District Council, said: “Securing grant funding to deep clean Leatherhead’s streets is a positive step and is something that I’m very pleased to support."

Ashley Tilling, portfolio holder for climate change, environmental services and sustainability at Elmbridge Borough Council, said: "I am sure it will be positively received by our residents and businesses."

New signs will also be put up to discourage people from dropping their used gum onto pavements.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.