Council blitz vow on chewing gum

Council officials said chewing gum was a "frustrating" problem

Council leaders in Worcester have vowed to get tough with people who drop chewing gum on the city's streets.

Litter wardens will have the powers to give people on-the-spot fines of up to £80 if they catch anyone dropping the gum.

A poster campaign will be run and advertisements put on buses, telephone boxes and council vehicles.

Worcester City Council has become one of 16 authorities to join the national Chewing Gum Action Group.

Worcester's environmental protection officer John Bond said: "Chewing gum is an incredibly frustrating problem to deal with and I believe the awareness campaign will encourage individuals to be more responsible when it comes to getting rid of their gum."