Dropping chewing gum on pavements or sticking it on seats is incredibly antisocial, unsightly and costs thousands of pounds of tax payers’ money a year to clean up.
Stuck on shoes and walked into the house or car, this terrible mess is something lots of us have experienced. And then there are our pets that get it stuck on their paws or in their fur, causing them great discomfort. Now all that is set to change as Gosport Borough Council gets tough on those people caught dropping chewing gum.
In the past the Council has issued pouches for used gum and erected gummy bins on lampposts to encourage clean disposal. But now, thanks to funding from Defra, the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the clean up campaign is set to expand with a new information and education project about to begin.
The scheme will involve using adverts and high impact visuals on the back of buses and in telephone boxes to educate people. These will be used in conjunction with poster adverts and wider campaign activities. Officers too will monitor the levels of anti social gum disposal to see how successful the campaign is to make sure the message is reaching the right people - those who dispose of their gum inconsiderately.
“When operating this scheme in other areas a 72% reduction of gum litter has been achieved, so we are optimistic for a good result,” said Jenny Marlow, Contracts Officer for the Council. “We are also stepping up our policing of the problem and our Enforcement Officers will be keeping a close eye out for people dropping gum. The public may not realise it, but dropping chewing gum on the pavement is classed as littering and could result in them receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice with a fine of up to £80 so it really is a habit they should stop.”
Campaign visuals will also be used on High Street Litter bins and cleansing barrows and on the Portsmouth/Gosport ferry and pontoon. The team are also looking to local businesses for any support and help with the distribution of gum survey cards, displaying posters, or prizes for the grand draw.
The campaign launch will be held on Saturday 8 September in Gosport High Street. From 10am to 2pm the Streetscene Team will be on hand issuing information and advice as well as inviting people to join them for fun activities. Freebies will be given away at the launch, including Free 'gum rap' or gum disposal papers. As well as being available at the launch these will be made available at the Town Hall throughout the campaign. If your business wishes to help with the campaign by displaying posters or donating prizes then please contact Jenny Marlow on Tel: (023) 9254 5629.
