THE council has invested in a machine that will clean chewing gum from pavements.

West Berkshire Council has invested in the machine that will clean Newbury Town Centre.

The machine will be operated by Newbury Bid and removes the gum in an environmentally friendly way using a sugar water solution.

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The council said it is compact and quiet and can be used anytime as is causes minimal disruption to shoppers and businesses.

It was funded by the government following the High Street Report that looked closely at issues facing our high streets and town centres.

Steve Ardagh-Walter, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for the Environment said: “This is a great investment for Newbury Town Centre and will provide a boost to the service we already provide to keep the town centre looking its best.

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“The new machine is a great start and we can all play our part to maintain and increase high street housekeeping standards by disposing of gum and other litter responsibly.”

Operations Manager for Newbury BID, Alison Drummond, stated: “After pushing forward the benefits of operating a Chewing Gum Removal machine, we’re delighted that West Berkshire Council have funded the project.”

Alison added: “This is a prime example of yet another successful collaboration between the BID and the council that enables us to continue to do what we do best; look after Newbury.”