CHEWING GUM REMOVAL & PAVEMENT CLEANING

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council - Trdegar Bus Stop, Tredegar, NP22

Client's Challenge

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council required a targeted chewing gum removal and hard surface cleaning programme focused on bus stops and surrounding pedestrian areas throughout Tredegar.

These locations experience constant footfall, waiting times, and repeated public use, resulting in heavy chewing gum build-up, ingrained dirt, grime, and algae growth on pavements and around shelter areas. Standard street-cleaning methods had proven ineffective, leaving surfaces visually poor and difficult to maintain.

The council required a specialist contractor capable of delivering effective cleaning works while the areas remained live, with bus services operating, shops open, and continuous public movement.

Assessment & Planning  

APT ICC worked with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to identify priority bus stops and surrounding pedestrian areas requiring treatment.

Planning included:

• Site inspections and surface condition assessments
• Risk assessments and method statements for live public environments
• Controlled cordoning of small work zones
• Coordination to maintain access to pavements, shops, and transport services
• Scheduling works to minimise disruption to public movement and bus timetables

    Methodology

    The cleaning programme was delivered using a controlled, multi-stage approach:

    1. Targeted chewing gum removal using specialist cleaning methods to soften and lift deposits from hard surfaces without damage.

    2. Jet washing applied to remove loosened residues, grime, and ingrained dirt.

    3. Algae removal treatments used where biological growth was present.

    4. Localised facade and shelter cleaning undertaken to improve overall presentation.

    5. All removed waste collected, bagged, and removed from site for disposal.

    Areas were cleaned and reopened progressively to maintain safe and continuous public access.

    Site Access & Logistics

    Equipment
    • Jet washing equipment
    • Specialist gum removal systems
    • Surface and pavement cleaning attachments

    Chemicals
    • Algae free
    • Gum gone

    APT ICC in-house specialist cleaning formulations, selected based on surface type and contamination levels

    The Results
    • Chewing gum deposits removed from bus stops and adjacent pavements
    • Grime, dirt, and algae eliminated from pedestrian surfaces
    • Improved cleanliness and presentation of public transport waiting areas
    • Safer, more hygienic surfaces for public use
    • Works completed without disruption to bus services or town centre
    activity

    The targeted cleaning programme significantly improved the appearance and usability of Tredegar’s bus stops and surrounding pedestrian areas.