Gum-chewers have been urged to use bins after Romford town centre had a deep clean.

Pavements, signs and benches between Victoria Road and Market Place were left pristine after work funded by a Chewing Gum Taskforce set up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and run by the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy. 

Specialist equipment was used to wash away the grime and stains, with a particular focus on gum. 

This Is Local London: The state of South Street in Romford, taken earlier this yearThe state of South Street in Romford, taken earlier this year (Image: Chantelle Billson)

The state of central Romford has been reported on previously by this paper, with a local councillor describing it as a “mess" that "urgently needs attention”. 

One Romford resident, Pamela Scott, told the Recorder several streets in the town could do with a clean-up, in particular South Street towards Market Place. 

“It winds me up,” she said. “All we have to do is pour a bucket of water over it.” 

This Is Local London: Cllr Barry MugglestoneCllr Barry Mugglestone (Image: Havering Council)

Following the recent deep-clean, Cllr Barry Mugglestone, cabinet member for environment, said: “Our message is simple - don’t drop your chewing gum, stick it in the bin, so we can all enjoy a cleaner borough. 

“It is so annoying when you find chewing gum stuck to your shoe or see it stuck to the pavements because someone has been too lazy to find a bin.  

“I’m pleased to see the pavements looking cleaner, and the town feeling fresher and nicer to spend time in. 

"We need everyone’s help to make sure it stays like that.”