SPECIALIST bins have been installed in chewing gum trouble spots to encourage people to dispose of it responsibly.

Harrogate Borough Council has provided the bins in Boroughbridge, Harrogate and Ripon.

Officials are also testing a surface covering that could make gum removal from footpaths much easier and quicker. The authority is also planning to fine more people for dropping gum.

The Government has now included chewing gum in the legal definition of litter, making it illegal to drop.

Councillor Les Ellington said: "People that carry out this disgusting habit of irresponsibly discarding their gum are warned, we are upping the ante.

"If the provision of these new bins does not see a dramatic decrease in discarded gum, then they should be aware that we are already turning to the legislation.

"And yes, we will enforce, but there are a few procedures we have to go through to empower more of our staff to help in handing out these fines."