Isle of Wight Council is closely monitoring the success of a trial scheme that aims to get rid of a real sticky problem – discarded chewing gum.

Since the start of November, the council has been trialling high-pressure jet wash equipment that blasts chewing gum off the surface, leaving pavements clean.

The trial will also involve the cleaning of the outside of litter bins and badly stained paving slabs. 

Last year Isle of Wight Cllr David Pugh got to grips with a jet washer.

The cleaning is carried out by Community Clean – the firm that also removes graffiti for the council and carries out other street cleaning projects in local towns and villages.

Several areas are being cleaned during the trial, which lasts until Christmas. Parts of the Esplanade in Shanklin was cleaned last week, while parts of the esplanades in Sandown and Ryde will be tackled over the next fortnight.

The contractors will also clean parts of St James Square, Orchard Street and outside The Guildhall in Newport, the High Street in Cowes and Well Road in East Cowes.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment Edward Giles said

“The council is closely monitoring the street washing trial, which is being funded through existing budgets.

“Keeping popular public areas clean is important and makes a big difference to the image of a town or village, which is also very important for tourism and local businesses.

“Cleaning pavements is one subject the council does get many enquiries about. If we feel the trial is a success, then there’s a good chance we’ll look to expand it into other areas across the Island next year”

During the trial, different types of paving slabs will be cleaned, allowing the council to monitor the success of the cleaning on different surfaces.