Rochdale Borough Council has been awarded a £27,461 grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force to tackle the persistent problem of chewing gum litter on local pavements. The funding will be used to purchase specialist equipment that vaporises discarded gum, allowing workers to easily brush it away. This initiative is part of a broader programme now in its fifth year, with 50 councils across the country sharing the fund.
How the Grant Will Be Used
The grant, administered by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is funded by major gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle. The new equipment will be trialled in Rochdale town centre, targeting high-footfall areas where gum litter is most prevalent. Previous projects have demonstrated that combining targeted cleaning with new signage can reduce gum littering by up to 86%.
Official Reactions
Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council and cabinet member for climate change and environment, welcomed the funding. “This is fantastic news,” she said. “Chewing gum is difficult and costly to remove and has a lasting impact on our streets and environment.” She emphasised that prevention remains the best solution and reminded the public that anyone caught littering faces a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, highlighted the environmental and financial costs of dropped gum. “Dropped gum takes years to break down naturally and creates expensive clean-up costs for taxpayers,” she said. “While chewing gum litter remains a stubborn eyesore in our public spaces, the good news is that this scheme is already driving major improvements. Everyone in Rochdale can play a part in creating cleaner, greener streets for all by binning their gum properly.”
Impact on the Community
Town officials hope the trial will create a more positive impression of the area for both residents and visitors. By reducing visible gum litter, the council aims to enhance the overall appearance of Rochdale town centre, making it more welcoming. The initiative also underscores the importance of responsible behaviour, as the council continues to enforce littering penalties.
