A steam cleaner is blasting gum off Northampton's streets

The borough council has bought a high- pressure steam cleaner to tackle the problem by dissolving the gum residue.

Officers are also promising tougher measures against people who throw their gum on the pavement.

A new �50 spot fine will also be introduced to encourage people to use special bins which have been installed in shopping areas.

The machine operates at a temperature of 175 C and reduces the gum to a powder that can be washed away.