Cumberland Council will be enhancing its street cleaning capabilities with the introduction of a state-of-the-art gum removal machine.
The council has integrated the cutting-edge gum-busting machine into its street-cleansing equipment, which can significantly improve the removal of chewing gum from pavements during the regular street and power washing routines.
This addition follows the council’s successful application for a £25,000 grant from the Chewing Gum Taskforce, managed by charity Keep Britain Tidy, earlier in the year.
The machine is purpose-built to remove all traces of gum using a combination of brushes, steam, and a non-toxic vegetable-based water additive.
In the upcoming months, the newly acquired machine will begin its operations in high footfall areas, starting in Carlisle and gradually expanding its reach across the Cumberland patch.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“I am delighted that Cumberland Council secured £25,000 grant from the Chewing Gum Taskforce earlier this year enabling us to acquire this advanced chewing gum machine.
“Following our recent cleansing campaigns in Egremont, Millom, Workington, Cleator Moor, and Whitehaven, we are eager to trial this machine in Carlisle.
“When people visit, whether it is to shop, work or meet up with friends and family, we want them to experience a welcoming and attractive city and town centres.
“Chewing gum is highly visible on the pavements and can be both difficult and expensive to clean up.
“This new highly specialised machine will help improve the removal of chewing gum and will also complement our existing street cleansing equipment, whilst improving efficiency and overall cleanliness standards.
“While this machine represents a significant step forward, the ultimate solution to the issue lies in encouraging individuals to responsibly dispose of their gum in bins.”