New campaign to remove chewing gum from Inverness streets

A NEW campaign has been launched to encourage residents to dispose of their chewing gum responsibly.

Highland Council has joined forced with the Chewing Gum Action Group to raise awareness of gum litter and ask people not to throw it on pavements.

The council is the first in Scotland to partner the group. Over the next few weeks, it will be running the action group’s advertising, reminding residents to bin their gum or risk a £50 fine, using roadside banners, bus stops, lamp posts and telephone kiosks.

"We hope this campaign will challenge gum chewers to re-think how they dispose of their chewing gum and understand that it’s the responsibility of each individual to bin their gum and help reduce litter levels in Inverness," explained Provost Jimmy Gray.

Yesterday, in the city centre, council officers handed out free chewing gum and leaflets offering advice on how to dispose of it.

What do you think of a tax on gum to help in the clean-up? Click here to find our online vote here and see The Inverness Courier's editor's comment today.