It is nice to know someone in authority is trying to do something about the chewing gum problem (The Argus, May 14) but isn't it naive to think that many people will take notice of "encouragements"

not to drop their used gum on the pavement?

Used chewing gum cannot be swallowed or put in one's pocket, and other than putting it back into its original wrapping paper, most chewers will take the easy option and drop it.

The problem is the nature of the product, so asking people to get rid of it responsibly is not going to have much effect.

With all the marvels of modern chemistry at the industry's disposal, it is astonishing nobody has managed to devise a formula for a chewing gum that is either biodegradable or breaks down on exposure to sunlight, or can be washed off in a solution of a cheap solvent such as soda or dilute acid or detergent.

The manufacturers should be put on notice that as from a certain date, the sooner the better, the present indestructable chewing gum will be subject to a tax reflecting the cost of disposal, about 20p a lump.

With the threat of having £1 added to the cost of a packet of chewing gum, they would no doubt promptly come up with a disposable alternative.

But since this problem doesn't only affect this country, isn't it something for the EU to deal with?

  • Henry Law, Queen's Gardens Brighton