Post by Madhatter on Nov 18, 2006 4:04:16 GMT
With it costing more than 3 times the cost of the purchase price of a stick of gum to remove it, should removal costs for local council be added as a tax on it?
"A week-long blitz has begun to remove chewing gum from pavements in the centre of Burton-on-Trent.
East Staffordshire Borough Council says it costs about 3p to buy a stick of chewing gum, but costs 10p for it to be removed from the street.
Contractors are carrying out intensive cleaning, some working overnight.
School and colleges have also been visited to convey the message about the damage caused to shoes and clothes and the expense of removing used gum.
Councillor Julia Jessel, deputy leader for environment, said it is part of a broader campaign to improve central Burton.
She said: "Once completed, this clean up campaign will improve the appearance of the town centre and hopefully people will think twice about dropping their gum.
"If you chew gum, you can do your bit by wrapping it up and putting it in a litter bin," said she said. "
"A week-long blitz has begun to remove chewing gum from pavements in the centre of Burton-on-Trent.
East Staffordshire Borough Council says it costs about 3p to buy a stick of chewing gum, but costs 10p for it to be removed from the street.
Contractors are carrying out intensive cleaning, some working overnight.
School and colleges have also been visited to convey the message about the damage caused to shoes and clothes and the expense of removing used gum.
Councillor Julia Jessel, deputy leader for environment, said it is part of a broader campaign to improve central Burton.
She said: "Once completed, this clean up campaign will improve the appearance of the town centre and hopefully people will think twice about dropping their gum.
"If you chew gum, you can do your bit by wrapping it up and putting it in a litter bin," said she said. "
