A special squad is being brought in to clear chewing gum from the streets of Northampton.

Officials hope 2003 will see the end of what has become a familiar sight on the streets.

Councillor Viv Dams said: "I think more and more people are using chewing gum, because of the encouragement from dental people about how it's good for the teeth.

"We want them to put it in litter bins when they're finished with it, that's all."

Gum spots

Ms Dams, a spokesperson on health and environment, told BBC Radio Northampton that the problem is a blight on the town's appearance.

"You only have to walk into the town centre to see all of the white spots of chewing gum all over the floor."

The borough council has also recently cracked down on people who discard larger items; a woman who dumped an entire kitchen unit including a sink in Thorplands was ordered to pay for its removal.

Officials said the cost of scraping discarded chewing gum from streets and pavements can run into thousands of pounds.