CHEWING gum will be blasted off the streets of Douglas thanks to new street cleaning equipment purchased by Douglas Borough Council.
The council has invested in a Gum Clear unit which removes chewing gum from pavements in an energy efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
The unit delivers high pressure, high temperature, water to pavements to remove chewing gum and the stains it leaves, along with other litter such as cigarette ends and then recycles the dirty water leaving surfaces dry. No chemicals are used and no damage to pavement grouting is caused.
Douglas Borough Council is the first local authority across the UK to take delivery of the equipment since the manufacturer was recognised in the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management (CIWM) environmental excellence awards in November 2010.
Martin Whitbread, Gum Clear managing director, said: "The system is the first of its kind. It recaptures some 97 percent of the hot water used, saving water and the energy required to heat it.
"The recapture and recycle process allows water to be heated safely to 100 degrees Centigrade for directing onto pavement surfaces and achieves exceptional cleaning standards safely and quickly.
"Douglas Borough Council is leading the way in the Isle of Man and is to be commended for setting a responsible example to other local authorities by recognising the value of the machine’s green credentials."
Council leader David Christian said: "The regeneration of Douglas town centre is this council’s number one priority.
"Despite these challenging economic times we remain committed to creating a town that will attract new business and investment, visitors and residents.
"We have already invested some two million pounds in revitalising the North Quay and have made further financial provision to regenerate the main areas of the town centre.
"However regeneration will stand for nothing if it is compromised by dirty pavements blighted by chewing gum, other litter and graffiti. It is against this background that the council has invested in equipment that we see as complementing our commitment to raising environmental standards.
"While all eyes will be on Douglas this September during the Commonwealth Youth Games it is important that the town portrays a clean and tidy image year round.
"Hopefully the machine's high visibility may also help promote greater environmental awareness among the general public and drive home the message that the council cannot succeed alone. It is up to everyone - businesses, residents and visitors - to act responsibly to help keep the streets of Douglas and the Isle of Man clean."
Councillor David Ashford, the public works committee chairman, added: "As well as being environmentally friendly, by not using chemical cleaning agents and leaving the pavement surface dry, the Gum Clear machine can be operated in heavily-used public spaces with the minimum of disruption and also provide a rapid response to litter 'hotspots' around the town."
The Gum Clear machine cost £120,000.
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