THE council looks set to splash out on removing "unsightly chewing gum blobs" on Taunton's town centre pavements.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is looking for quotations for the work ahead of the Cricket World Cup coming to Taunton this summer, when the eyes of the world will be on the county town.

In a report to full council next Wednesday, environmental services portfolio holder Cllr Patrick Berry says: "The town area is becoming prime focus as we head towards the summer and

planned events which include the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.

"Plans are being made to ensure the town centre sparkles during these events.

"One of the main issues in the town centre is the increasing number of unsightly chewing gum blobs on the paving.

"Quotations are being sought for a one-off removal."

The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, home to Somerset County Cricket Club, is hosting three World Cup matches - Afghanistan v New Zealand, on Saturday June 8, a day/night game; Pakistan v Australia, Wednesday, June 12; and West Indies v Bangladesh, Monday, June 17.