A NEW weapon could be coming to help clean up the mean streets of York - the Gumbuster.

City councillors are to consider a range of dirt-beating devices, in their quest to remove chewing gum from pavements and grease and grime from outside fast food outlets, as part of the York Pride campaign.

The option preferred by officers is the Gumbuster Street Laser, which uses low pressure steam to achieve its goals, and has been tested in both York and Leeds "with positive results".

City of York Council's executive member for commercial services, Coun Irene Waudby, will hear at a meeting next month that the Gumbuster is now in use in Leeds, where the machine has been "well received and acknowledged by the public".

A report from John Goodyear, assistant director for commercial services, says the machine can remove all gum and grime, and some types of sticky labels and graffiti.

"It is easy to use, is environmentally kind with no chemicals; it does not damage paving grout or bedding, is low noise, and can work for about four hours without refilling the water tank," says Mr Goodyear. The Gumbuster can be used on street furniture and signs, though it cannot deal with all types of sticky labels and is limited as to the types of sprayed graffiti it can eradicate.

It is also described as the most efficient and cost-effective of the machines available to counter gum and grime in York, particularly since its running costs of £30,000 a year can be met from funds already set aside by councillors for cleaning up the city.

"The machine is ideal for the streets and pavements of York. It could be used during the day, with residents seeing immediately the benefits of its operation," says Mr Goodyear.

He suggests the machine could be used in the city centre between 4am and 8am, Mondays to Fridays, though this could be reviewed.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, September 29, 2003