Backing for chewing gum ban in Milton Keynes

A campaign to make Milton Keynes the first place in the UK to ban chewing gum is gaining ground, the group behind the scheme has said.

The After8 Group, which has proposed the chewing gum ban, says the idea has received interest from key destinations in Milton Keynes including Xscape, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, The Hub & the Theatre District.

The Group conducted several checks on pavements around Central Milton Keynes and in one particular square foot it found 22 pieces of gum.

“Chewing gum littering has become an unattractive irritant that many wish to see the back of," said Phil Winsor Chair of the After8 Group.

“We need to take on board the views of city centre users and in conjunction with Milton Keynes Council and partners identify solutions.”

Approximately 7.5 billion pieces of gum are consumed each year and 3.5 billion pieces are disposed of irresponsibly (4.2 million tonnes) – and costs the British Government £150 million to clear up each year. Councils claim it costs 3p to produce a piece of gum and 10p to clean it off the streets

The After8 Group, a collection of city professionals and authorities united to promote the safety and prosperity of Milton Keynes’ night-time economy.

Chewing Gum Facts

• Britons are the second biggest consumers of gum in the world with 120 to 130 sticks per person each year.

• British chewing and bubble gum sales were £405m in 2005 and are expected to rise 3.2pc this year.

• Chewing gum sales in the UK have increased by 47pc since 1999.

• Britain is the seventh largest gum market in the world with the US and Japan being the top two.

• Wrigley is the biggest chewing gum seller in the UK with 95pc of the market and has dominated the UK market since it first came to the country in 1911.

• The global chewing gum market is worth over £10bn.