Gwynedd Council is tackling the problem of chewing gum stains on streets across the county, thanks to a grant of £26,752.

Discarded chewing gum leaves unsightly stains on streets and pavements that are difficult to remove. 

Thanks to a grant of £26,752 from the Chewing Gum Task Force, the council has been able to purchase an additional specialist steam cleaning machine to help tackle the problem. 

The council’s Timau Tacluso Ardal Ni (Tidy-up Teams) will be using the machine in communities across the county, helping to make them cleaner and more pleasant for everyone.

This is the fourth year Gwynedd Council has successful secured funding from the scheme, which was established by Defra and is managed by Keep Britain Tidy.

Cllr June Jones, Cabinet Member for Highways, Engineering and Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy Department said: “Chewing gum litter continues to be an issue regularly highlighted by residents across the county, so we are pleased to be able to invest in specialist equipment to help tackle this challenge.

“We appreciate the support and funding provided by the Chewing Gum Task Force. Our Timau Tacluso have already begun a programme of cleaning work, and we hope this will make a noticeable difference to the appearance of our streets and pavements.

“The impact of discarded chewing gum is something many people have experienced for themselves, whether by stepping in it and carrying it on their shoes or transferring it onto clothing. That is why, alongside the cleaning work, we are emphasising the importance of disposing of chewing gum responsibly in the first place.”

The Timau Tacluso Ardal Ni (Tidy-up Teams) work across all Gwynedd communities, tackling the small but important tasks to improve the local environment. If you would like one of the teams to visit your community, speak to your local county councillor.