A COUNCIL is buying several specialist machines to remove chewing gum from its streets and pavements as part of an anti-rubbish crackdown.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn, revealed the purchase as he warned borough residents its new partnership with Kingdom Services Group would take tough action against litter louts and the owners of fouling dogs.

Further details of the scheme and its start date are set to be announced at Hyndburn Council's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

He said: "I can announce plans to purchase a number of specialist pieces of equipment which can remove chewing gum and also clean the boroughs town centres and market paving.

"Litter louts and irresponsible dog owners who blight our streets should watch out as their actions are likely to land them with a big on the spot fine soon. We’re introducing tough new measures to stop our streets being blighted because our law abiding residents are fed up.

"We now plan to take environmental enforcement to the next level with a big clampdown on people who let their dogs foul and don't pick up and those who drop litter, cigarettes or chewing gum."