THE Lancashire Evening Telegraph beat me to it. I was on the point of writing to the council regarding the disgusting state of pavements in Blackburn due to discarded chewing gum, particularly in King William Street and the Four Lane Ends area of Shear Brow.

A fine of £50 is almost less than useless for the simple reason that it will be unenforceable.

I understand a well known chocolate manufacturer is moving into the gum market as it is the fastest growing sector.

With this in mind, it is obvious that Draconian methods are needed to get rid of this repugnant and unpleasant habit and I suggest a tax on the product without delay. Alcohol and tobacco are heavily taxed, why not gum?

On top of that, the bill for cleaning affected areas should be sent directly to manufacturers.

If a company pollutes a waterway it incurs heavy penalties, similarly the same penalties should also apply to polluters of town centres .

Blackburn is becoming scruffy, it would appear the local authority attracts millions of pounds for regeneration to no avail.

Properties are being improved to enhance the approach to the town. Sadly, however, litter is hanging from bushes and there is always litter stretching from Lancaster Place down to Corporation Park.

I have spoken to the council on at least two occasions and in fairness efforts have been made to clean it up.

A G KENYON, Quebec Road, Blackburn.