A new “Chewing Gum Task Force” has been set up to fight the gum plague on our pavements.
Individual councils across Northern Ireland can apply for grants up to £20,000 to fight the gummy spread, for street cleansing and the purchase of cleaning equipment. Individual councillors will become “Gum Champions” and new staff members may even be employed dedicated to the service.
Councils will also benefit from a bespoke “gum litter prevention package,” including signs targeting behaviour change and advice steering people to bin their bubblegum.
But could this money be better spent on other litter-related issues? Is fly-tipping an issue where you are? Are there ornamental bushes with decades of rubbish trapped underneath them? Or does the menace of dog poop spoil your street?
Maybe you think the onus is on the producers of the gum and that fines should be heavier for those who spit gum out on the street?
Here's your chance to let us know what you think on the idea of "Gum Champions".
Littering is an issue across Northern Ireland and maybe you know where that money could be better spent, well, let us know.
What gets right up your nose?
We'd love to hear from you so get commenting below and we'll have a healthy debate on this sticky issue.
