What are chew waiting for?
SPECIAL machines to tear up chewing gum from pavements have not been used in Kirkintilloch town centre, it has been claimed.
The council splashed out almost 5,000 for two machines in a bid to tackle the sticky problem in towns and communities throughout East Dunbartonshire.
But questions have been asked as to why the machines have never been used in Kirkintilloch town centre, since being bought in February.
Lex Gaston, who heads up the Business for Kirkintilloch initiative, said: "The machines have been sitting there doing nothing for months.
"The council said people were being trained to use them, but that was ages ago. I've been on to them about it a number of times.
"The machines are very easy to use. Removing the chewing gum from the pavements would give the town such a lift before Christmas.
"I really don't see how it has taken eight months. They say they are organising teams to do the job, but there was a photocall with the new teams earlier this year and still nothing's been done.
"Kirkintilloch was supposed to pioneer this scheme."
Kirkintilloch East and Twechar Independent Councillor Jack Young is also concerned at not seeing the machines in action.
A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said: "The council purchased two chewing gum removal machines at a cost of 2,250 per unit.
"The machines are fully operational and our street cleansing teams have been trained in their usage.
"The chewing gum machines are mobile units powered by a generator allowing them to be used at any location in East Dunbartonshire where chewing gum is a problem.
"The machines are a great resource for the council and we hope to make a positive impact on the town centres."
When the Herald checked out Kirkintilloch's Townhead and Cowgate areas on Saturday, the pavements were still littered with gum.
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Light rain
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