Crackdown on chewing gum litter

An environmental campaign to combat a particularly sticky problem is being launched in East Durham.

District of Easington Council is hoping to reduce the amount of chewing gum on the area’s streets by encouraging people to dispose of it responsibly rather than dropping it on pavements and roads.

Research by environmental charity ENCAMS found that chewing gum litter was present in 95 per cent of areas surveyed across Britain, with the national cost of dealing with the problem in excess of £400million.

District of Easington’s efforts to tackle the problem will begin with an awareness raising initiative involving local primary schools.

Pride in Easington officers have invited pupils to take part in a competition to design a poster highlighting the chewing gum problem.

Clare Hubbard, Pride in Easington officer, said: “Discarded chewing gum not only looks unsightly but can also stick to shoes and clothes, however, removing it from pavements and other services is extremely time consuming and costly.

“The only truly effective way to deal with the problem, therefore, is to stop people dropping gum in the first place. Our hope is that by raising awareness among young people we can teach them good habits at an early age.”

The competition is open to youngsters aged between four and 11-years-old, with prizes donated by Dalton Park shopping centre and the Pride in Easington campaign handed out in two separate age categories.

Pupils from Acre Rigg Infants School, Peterlee, meanwhile, are already showing their support for the campaign by developing a chant or ‘operina’ on the subject.

The second phase of the campaign will take place in September when the focus will switch to comprehensive schools, pubs, clubs and shops.

Council enforcement teams will be trying to get the message across that dropping chewing gum is a form and littering and could result in an £80 fixed penalty or even a £2,500 fine if the case goes to court.