02/03/2006

Campaign to reduce gum litter

Fifteen local authorities across England are to receive funding to help them tackle gum litter.

Local authorities in Bristol City, Chesterfield, Colchester, Hertsmere, Horsham, Kensington, Lancaster City, Leeds, Lewisham, Medway, Plymouth, Solihull, Stoke on Trent, Trafford and Wigan will receive the funding.

The money will be used to pay for a mixture of advertising, alternative disposal and enforcement measures in order to reduce gum litter in these areas.

The scheme follows three successful pilot campaigns in Maidstone, Manchester and Preston last year. The councils used a series of advertisements with the message 'Thanks for binning your gum when you're done' - which will also be the message of the new campaigns - in order to raise awareness of the problem.

Commenting on the scheme, Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Environmental Quality, said: "Gum litter is a major problem and it's going to be hard work changing people's attitudes and behaviour.

"However, each of these campaigns have the innovation to educate people in refreshing ways as well as a hard-line approach to enforcement.

"It's this approach which made last year's pilots a success and it's this approach which the Chewing Gum Action Group believes will create less gum litter in the first place."

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, all local authorities have the power to fine people caught dropping gum £50. In April this will increase to £75.

The advertising campaigns will run between May and September this year.

(KMcA/GB)


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