Teams tackle chewing gum problem

Council teams are spending four days tackling the problem of discarded chewing gum in a town centre.

Shropshire Council says its environment maintenance teams are using a gum-blasting machine in Oswestry, where the problem costs about £11,000 a year.

They will tackle the problem on paved areas, such as Cross Street and Willow Street, as well as at the bus station.

A council spokeswoman said anyone seen dropping gum faced an on-the-spot penalty charge of £80.