AFTER years of taxing smokers and drinkers why doesn't the Government tax companies that manufacture chewing gum?

One only has to see Darlington's new town centre to see the damage that's inflicted by the morons who spit chewing gum onto the pavement.

It must cost thousands to clean it up, so tax it to the hilt, so it's out of the price range of the people who discard it anywhere. It would save money in the long run.

I believe the fine for discarding cigarette butts is £50, but they sweep up. Chewing gum takes more work to clean up.

Greg James, Chayofa, Tenerife.