In this week's Reader Rant opinion column P Cridland from Bromley complains about the menace of chewing gum and calls for the sticky stuff to be banned. Read the article and join the debate by adding your comments.

I HAVE a problem with all littering of this beautiful country we live in.

Littering is abhorrent and appears to show a change of public attitude to the protection of the environment we live in ("don't defecate on your own doorstep" was a primary courtesy I was taught as I grew up).

It has to be said though that most types of rubbish can be picked up by anybody should they wish to do so and disposed of in the proper place, although it's better to have done it in the first place.

THe main problem I have is with chewing gum.

Let us not be under any illusion that each blob of gum on the pavement is the result of somebody spitting it out.

So if we count the blobs we can see the amount of unsavoury spit everywhere.

News Shopper: Chewing gum on pavement

Perhaps I have an aversion to walking around the borough avoiding spittle.

I fail to see any positive reason to sell or use chewing gum.

The thought it promotes dental hygiene is lame, in my opinion.

It can only be about revenue gained through its sale for the taxman.

Ban it. Ban its use and sale.

Just as people now find cigarette ends disgusting, the use of chewing gum has to be a public health risk so remove the problem and we can once again walk without sticky feet through the streets of Britain.

Open your eyes to this horrible, filthy form of litter that no casual person can just pick up and dispose off. It should be removed from the figurative food chain, permanently.

This column is produced by an independent writer and in no way reflects the official position of News Shopper or its parent company.

Do you think chewing gum is a problem and would you go so far as to ban it from sale? Should tougher action be taken against people who litter the pavements? What other habits along the lines of spitting chewing gum out get on your nerves? Add your comments below.

Check News Shopper's website every lunchtime for a new daily opinion column. Thursday will cover a moral issue. Friday is a sport rant. Monday is back to the Shopper Rant on a topical news story. Tuesday is entertainment day. Be sure to have your say if you agree or disagree with what you read.

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