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LCCC launches pilot project to tackle chewing gum littering and staining

November 23, 2022

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has been awarded funding from The Chewing Gum Task Force grant scheme; a brand-new fund to help clean chewing gum from the UK’s towns and cities.

The Chewing Gum Task Force was established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. 

The Chewing Gum Task Force grant fund represents a commitment from the Government and major gum manufacturers, including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle, to work together to find long-term solutions to this issue.

Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Martin Gregg said: “We are pleased to have received this funding to help clean local footpaths and promote responsible gum disposal.

“This funding has enabled us to purchase specialised gum removal equipment and hire dedicated staff to remove gum stains in pilot areas this Autumn. We will also install new signage in those areas to encourage residents and visitors to bin their gum.

“Chewing gum staining makes our streets look grubby and uncared for and is particularly difficult to remove. Littering is a criminal offence, which can result in an on-the-spot fine of £80. We encourage everyone to bin their gum and other litter responsibly in the litter bins provided across Lisburn and Castlereagh.”