Non-sticking gum to clear the pavements

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The gum, which could go on sale early next year, turns to dust on pavements, shoes and even hair and can be swept away in the drains by water and rain within 24 hours.

Removing gum from the capital's streets - using spray jets, chemicals or lasers - is estimated to cost local authorities £150 million a year. Westminster alone spends £100,000.

Normal chewing gums are made from weather-resistant synthetic latex but a polymer in the new product, Rev 7, makes it far less sticky.

Professor Terence Cosgrove, of Revolymer which developed Rev 7 at Bristol University, told the BA Festival of Science in York: "We effectively alter the structure of the gum to coat it in a thin layer of water. "

Dr Leith Penny, Westminster's director of environment and leisure, said: "Non-stick gum could revolutionise how we address this scourge."