A major project to tackle chewing gum litter has begun in Bedford town centre, funded by a grant of nearly £30,000 from the national Chewing Gum Task Force.
The clean-up started this week on Midland Road, between River Street and Silver Street, and will move on to Mill Street, Silver Street, and the areas around Bedford Bus Station. The work will continue through to the end of October.
Bedford Borough Council has deployed its specialist gum-cleaning equipment, along with extra staff and materials, to restore pavements across the town. The scheme is part of a wider initiative led by Keep Britain Tidy and funded by chewing gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle.
Alongside cleaning, the project also aims to change behaviour and encourage responsible gum disposal.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said:
“We understand how frustrating chewing gum litter can be for residents, businesses, and visitors. It’s unsightly, difficult to remove, and detracts from the charm of our beautiful town. Thanks to this funding from the companies that produce chewing gum, we are able to give Bedford’s town centre pavements a fresh start. Our dedicated teams are making significant progress in cleaning these key streets, and through ongoing awareness campaigns, we are promoting the simple message to bin your gum, not drop it. Together, we can keep Bedford a welcoming place for all.”
The council has also reminded residents that dropping chewing gum counts as littering and can result in a £150 Fixed Penalty Notice, or up to £2,500 if taken to court.
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