War on Gum | The UK Edition
A couple of years back, the Lancaster City Council in England began to battle their litter and gum problem with free gum wraps (pictured above) distributed via Marks & Spencer and other high street shops. They allowed the gum chewer to tear off a small sheet, and wrap up their gum until it can be properly disposed of. Actually dropping the gum on the street, sans wrapper, brought a £75 fine.
Today, Croydon joined the battle, as its Business Improvement District (BID) announced its campaign against gum littering. Ros Morgan, who heads Croydon’s BID, suggests that this new approach is “a multi-faceted campaign which should really help clean up the hot spot areas around Croydon.”
“Gum Wraps,” which will be widely distributed on city streets will help youngsters get rid of their gum, instead of discarding it on the pavement. Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers will enforced a similar fixed £75 fine for those who ignore the admonition to “Chew this Over” and dispose of gum appropriately.
There is also a poem competition later this year, run by Centrale and Whitgift shopping centres, which will invite entries for original poems about throwing chewing gum in the bin. Over £325 in shopping vouchers will be offered to winners.
Croydon has been selected as one of 16 areas across England to introduce similar schemes from the Government’s Chewing Gum Action Group.