A GLOBAL company is supporting Swindon’s bid to rid its streets of chewing gum.

Talks are under way between Wrigley’s and Swindon Council to tackle the town’s problem of chewers not disposing of their gum in bins.

In July at a full council meeting, councillors condemned the litterers as ‘antisocial and unpleasant’ and planned to bring in a new bylaw, banning people from throwing away their gum on streets.

Under the proposals, offenders could be fined up to £2,500 after a summary conviction. The authority is also looking at new ways to enforce the proposed bylaw.

Coun Derique Montaut, who brought the motion before the council, said he was ‘very pleased’ Wrigley’s wanted to support the town.

Wrigley’s, which produces some of Britain's most popular chewing gums including Extra and Airwaves, is a member of Chewing Gum Action Group. This organisation joins charities, companies and governments to work together to get litterers to change their behaviour.

“It’s very impressive that a large manufacturer has offered to take such responsible action,” said Coun Montaut, (Lab, Liden, Elden & Park South).

It is a hoped a delivery plan will be created between the company and the council.

“They said they would be very interested in working with us to bring a programme of change,” added Coun Montaut.

“Hot weather means gum is being lifted by shoes making it an immediate concern for people.”

Siân O’Keefe, senior manager of corporate affairs for Wrigley’s said: “We have had contact with Coun Montaut regarding his concerns around littered gum in Swindon and we are hoping to meet with him to discuss this further.

“However, we have no plans to provide financial support for a clean-up of the town centre. Encouraging behaviour change is the only long-term and sustainable solution to the problem and we are totally committed to tackling this issue.”

Swindon’s director of law and democratic services is set to report back to the council on September 26 on whether a ban on spitting and the disposal of chewing gum on the ground in the centre and public places is possible. If it is, the authority plans to look into the costs of bringing the new bylaw into force.