A CAMPAIGN to stop people dropping chewing gum will be launched in West Hampshire this summer.

Posters to raise awareness of the social nuissance of discarded chewing gum will go up around Test Valley in August and September.

The campaign is being run by Test Valley Borough Council who won financial backing for their drive along with 16-other local authorities across the UK.

Bosses at the authority say they hope the campaign will lead to a significant reduction in dropped gum, and reduce their annual cleaning bill.

Anyone caught dropping chewing gum could face fines of up to £2,500, though first time offenders are likely to receive £50 or £80 on-the-spot fines.