People in Nottingham say the need for a new 'chewing gum taskforce' to clear the city streets is an unfortunate representation of society today. Nottingham City Council has secured cash for the taskforce and almost £3,000 will be spent each week to keep streets clean.
The Labour-run council has been granted £70,000, to be shared with Derby City Council, from a partnership between the Government and chewing gum brands. The council says it will use the grant money by investing in overtime for the four existing members of staff and two 'washdown vans'.
New signs will also be put up across the city to change the behaviour of visitors, particularly as thousands more are expected following Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League. While the financing of the operation has generally been welcomed, some businesses say it is a shame it has come to this.
