We have received a grant of £27,500 to help get rid of chewing gum left behind by litterers.
The Chewing Gum Task Force fund, administered by Keep Britain Tidy, will be used to remove chewing gum in Chatham and Gillingham, and to install signs encouraging people to use public bins.
Previous monitoring and evaluation of the scheme – carried out by not-for-profit organisation Behaviour Change – revealed a reduction in gum litter of up to 86 per cent in areas which previously received funding.
Tackle the problem head-on
Cllr Alex Paterson, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, said: “We are thrilled to have been successful in our application for the funding, allowing us to tackle the problem head-on, and put preventative measures in place for the future.
“We all have a responsibility to keep Medway’s streets clean – and we urge residents to use public bins so that we can maintain a pleasant environment for everyone.”
Everyone in Medway can play a part
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, 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.
“As an environmental charity, we know that every piece of gum dropped irresponsibly damages the environment, taking years to break down naturally, while also leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for costly clean-up operations.
“Everyone in Medway can play a part in creating cleaner, greener streets for all by binning their gum properly.”