Brent Council Invests £30,000 Annually to Combat Paan Stains

Brent Council in North London has reported that it spends over £30,000 each year on cleaning up the dark-red stains caused by paan, a chewing substance popular within parts of the South Asian community. The council's announcement highlights the significant impact of this issue on public spaces, particularly in areas like Wembley, where the stains have become a common sight on pavements, flower beds, and street furniture.

Paan is traditionally made from a combination of betel leaf, betel nut, herbs, and tobacco, leading to a stimulant effect upon consumption. However, the disposal of paan is problematic, as it leaves a persistent residue that is challenging to remove. Efforts to clean the stains have proven difficult, with Brent Council stating that even high-pressure cleaning equipment has struggled to eliminate the marks entirely.

In response to the ongoing issue, Brent Council has adopted a strict enforcement policy aimed at discouraging paan spitting. This includes the installation of banners in key hotspots and the deployment of enforcement officers to monitor the situation. Individuals caught spitting paan could be fined up to £100.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, the Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement, expressed her satisfaction with the council's efforts, stating, “I am delighted that we continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to those who ruin our streets, that includes those that spit out paan and stain street furniture. Don’t mess with Brent, because we will catch you and fine you.”

The Brent Liberal Democrats have voiced criticism of the council's timing, suggesting that the measures are inadequate and delayed. Councillor Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Brent, remarked, “People in Wembley, Alperton, and Sudbury have been dealing with disgusting chewing tobacco spitting on our streets for years, while [the council] looked the other way. Now, suddenly, just before an election, they want credit for ‘cracking down’?”

The health implications of paan use are also significant, with studies indicating a connection to serious illnesses, including oral and oesophageal cancers. According to the National Health Service (NHS), the carcinogenic nature of betel nut poses risks comparable to those associated with cigarette smoking. Dr Shazia Siddiqi, Brent’s Clinical Lead for Primary & Community Care, noted, “We see patients with oral health issues linked to paan use. Additives like betel nut and tobacco, when eaten frequently in the paan can pose serious health risks.”

As part of their comprehensive approach to tackle both the health and cleanliness aspects of this issue, Brent Council is also implementing workshops and one-on-one support for residents wishing to quit paan. The Stop Smoking Service offers tailored programmes for groups often overlooked by mainstream services, including those who chew tobacco and pregnant individuals.

Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, reiterated the council's commitment to enhancing public health and maintaining cleanliness in the borough, stating, “Paan spitting is not just unpleasant—it’s harmful, costly, and unacceptable. You are playing with your health [and] messing with your streets.”