Nearly a tonne of chewing gum has been hosed off city centre streets in a £40,000 clean-up operation.

Since June, a major crackdown has seen nearly 800,000 pieces of gum removed, and enough pavement jet-washed to cover a dozen football pitches.

The drive, largely funded by city centre firms, has targeted the main shopping streets, along with the Northern Quarter, and is in addition to the council’s own street cleaning service. Retailers say it has helped boost trade – creating a better first impression for visitors.

It has been paid for via city centre organisation CityCo, which comprises local firms and public agencies, and with money from the area's 'business improvement district', funded using a levy on business rates.

Jane Sharrocks, general manager of Selfridges in Exchange Square and chair of the Heart of Manchester BID, said: “This street cleaning investment has a direct impact on retail sales and helps give the local economy a boost.”

The jet-washing will continue for a year, using specialist contractors Ramora. Recent months have seen an increased focus on the cleanliness of the city centre, with town hall bosses admitting standards have slipped. In the autumn they launched a £15m ‘clean and green’ fund using the council’s windfall from its stake in Manchester airport.

City centre spokesman Pat Karney said: “This is another great example of the public and private sector working together to make Manchester a better place for all to enjoy.”

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