Discarded gum on the streets of Oxford is already being tackled

A scheme to rid the streets of Oxford of the mess is being extended across the county.

All district councils are to be asked to come up with fresh ideas on tackling the mess.

The county council has already been working with Oxford City Council to find ways of combating the problem of sticky and flattened chewing gum on the pavements of the city.

The move to extend the scheme comes after a motion put by county councillor Patrick Greene, which was passed without opposition.

Mr Greene, who represents the Moreton division, said: "When people come to Oxford, if they look up they see the dreaming spires.

"But if they look down all they see is the appalling spectacle of flattened and sticky chewing gum.

"I welcome the present joint co-operation between the county and city council on this but it isn't just a problem in Oxford.

"The mess made by discarded chewing gum is so unnecessary and sends out the false message that communities are not concerned about their areas."