BRENTWOOD: Gum already stuck on new pavement

By sbodycomb

AT LEAST 400 pieces of chewing gum have already been trodden into the new pavements in Brentwood High Street.

The disgusting revelation has sickened shoppers who are blaming kids and teenagers for defacing the new paving just weeks after it was laid as part of Essex County Council's £7million High Street improvement scheme.

There are now calls for gum boards or extra bins to be installed as part of the work to combat the sticky mess, which costs Brentwood Borough Council thousands of pounds to clean each year.

Moh Abrahim, 68, of Brentwood, was leading the calls for more bins in the High Street where the paving has not yet even been finished.

He said: "It is disgusting, filthy and it spreads disease. It is so unhygienic and it sticks to your shoes."

Wendy Scott, 63, of Shenfield, added: "Why can't people just wrap old chewing gum up in the paper and throw it the nearest bin?"

The county council's deputy cabinet member for highways and transportation, Cllr Roger Walters, said: "Carelessly discarded chewing gum is an anti-social nuisance and costs taxpayers thousands.

"Essex County Council will shortly be installing litter bins with recycling and cigarette stub facilities on the High Street that will ensure people can dispose of their waste with consideration to others.

"We will work with Brentwood council to clean the street on completion of the scheme."

The Gazette also spotted drivers taking full advantage of the new wider pavements.

Our second picture shows a cheeky gambler who parked his whole car on the pavement outside Ladbrokes one evening last week.

In addition, readers have got in touch to complain that bikers and skateboarders are causing a nuisance on the wider footpaths, particularly outside Marks & Spencer.