March 21, 2019 5.16 pm This story is over 60 months old

Gummy McGumface: Lincoln children to name street cleaning machine

Which entry will they chew-se?
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Children in Lincoln will get the chance to come up with gum-believable names for the new street cleaning machine. No doubt Gummy McGumface will be suggested.

As previously reported, the new street cleaning operation was launched in Lincoln for the first time earlier this month to pull up carpets of discarded gum blighting the city.

A gum removal machine already is at work cleaning up the pavements of Lincoln.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There is a prize worth almost £50 up for grabs in Lincoln BIG’s latest competition to find best name for the machine.

For children wishing chew have a go – families need to email [email protected] with their child’s full name, age, address and their suggested name for the Gumbuster machine. Entries close on March 30.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln BIG, City of Lincoln Council and Lincolnshire Co-op teamed up in a mission to erase the sticky stuff from the High Street. Lindum Construction and Optima Graphic Design Consultants have also thrown their weight behind the street smartening initiative.

Shops, pubs and restaurants have been supplied with “No Chewy On My Shoey” chewing gum disposal papers in a drive to get people to dispose of their gum responsibly. They are already getting picked up and used.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Sarah Loftus said: “Many of today’s young people care deeply about the environment and the world they are growing-up in. This is a topic which is reflected in many school projects.

“So we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to challenge young people (up to the age of 12) to come up with a really original name for our new gumbuster. We are thrilled that one of Lincoln BIG’s levy payers, The Entertainer, has thrown its weight behind us and offered a prize of toys and games to the value of about £50.

“We’re really excited to see how many different names young people come-up with. Lincolnshire County Council got some great answers when it decided to ask for potential names for its winter gritters – and we hope the gumbuster will generate some brilliant suggestions too.”

The Entertainer is offering a prize for the youngster who suggests the most appropriate name.

Manager at The Entertainer Clare Mather said: “Our prize will include an outdoor swingball game, a bubble machine and solution, books and a creative Bobble-It kit.”

Grit ready: Winning gritter names announced