By gum, what a mess!

OLDHAM Council is launching a new campaign to tackle the menace of chewing gum.

The authority has begun its annual drive to raise awareness of dumped chewing gum on streets and is urging residents to dispose of it responsibly.

In conjunction with the Chewing Gum Action Group (CGAG), an organisation chaired by DEFRA and funded by the chewing gum industry, the council will be developing local initiatives to reduce levels of chewing gum litter. Oldham is one of 12 councils taking part.

Following last year’s campaign, the council reported a 74 per cent drop in gum litter.

Councillor Jean Stretton said: “We have joined up with CGAG to raise awareness of this issue.

“Gum is difficult to remove and last year the council spent £25,000 removing it from the town centre.

“With the support of the public, we can improve the appearance of the town centre and avoid the unnecessary cost of cleaning up gum that could easily be disposed of in a bin.”