A CAMPAIGN is under way to eradicate a sticky problem from the streets of Middlesbrough.

Don't Gum Up Our Streets was launched by Middlesbrough Council to encourage people to stop dropping chewing gum and wrapping paper on the pavement.

Middlesbrough is one of 16 councils across the country chosen by Chewing Gum Action Group, chaired by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, to run the month-long campaign.

It will involve cleaning and monitoring all town centre sites where there is a problem, a high-profile advertising campaign and distributing gum wraps, so people can get rid of their gum without causing a nuisance.

Middlesbrough Councillor Pervaz Khan said: "Discarded gum is unsightly, unhygienic and a real nuisance.

"We have got to change people's attitude and get them into the habit of disposing of gum responsibly."

Anyone found dropping gum or litter will be fined £80.