Crawley to tackle chewing gum 'menace'

A Sussex council is hoping a four-week campaign targeting gum chewers will reduce the amount of sticky mess dropped on the streets.

Crawley Borough Council is taking part in this year's poster campaign run by the Chewing Gum Action Group (CGAG).

The posters, which will be displayed in the town from 16 August, are aimed at making users aware that irresponsible disposal of gum carries a fine of £80.

"Chewing gum blights our streets," said councillor Keith Blake.

"Anything which helps reduce this sticky menace can only be a good thing."

The posters will be paid for by CGAG, which is chaired by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and includes Keep Britain Tidy and members of the chewing gum industry.

Crawley is one of 12 local authorities taking part in the 2010 campaign.

CGAG said previous campaigns had led to an average reduction in deposits of gum litter of 48%.