The Big Town Centre Clean-Up to deliver visible improvements this summer

During the final two weeks of August, Swindon Borough Council will focus existing resources on key town centre locations to deliver a targeted programme of works aimed at improving the appearance of the area and enhancing the experience of residents, visitors and businesses.

The initiative responds to concerns regularly raised about the condition of parts of the town centre. While ongoing financial pressures continue to limit the level of maintenance the Council can provide across the Borough, The Big Town Centre Clean-Up will concentrate activity where it can have the greatest visible impact.

The work will include:

• removing graffiti from council-owned buildings and property
• cleaning bins and jet washing key town centre locations
• refurbishing benches
• replacing damaged and worn paving
• removing weeds and overgrown vegetation

The Council’s fly-tipping enforcement team will also increase activity in known town centre hotspots during the clean-up period, targeting offenders where evidence is available. In addition, the Council is taking steps to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000, sending a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.

Alongside the improvement works, the Council will contact the owners of a number of prominent commercial properties that are displaying visible signs of neglect, including graffiti, overgrown vegetation, broken windows and unsecured openings. Owners will be encouraged to address these issues by the end of August. Where appropriate, the Council will consider formal enforcement action against properties that continue to have a detrimental impact on the local environment.

Residential property owners and landlords in the town centre area will also be reminded of their responsibilities, including removing graffiti, maintaining secure boundaries, keeping gardens free from waste and ensuring bin storage areas are clean and well maintained.

As part of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up, the Council will organise a community action day, giving local groups, businesses and volunteers the opportunity to play an active role in improving the town centre environment. Residents will also be encouraged to report issues through the Council’s online ‘Report It’ service.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Anyone who regularly visits the town centre will recognise that some areas are looking tired and in need of attention. While we continue to develop longer-term plans to support the town centre’s regeneration, we are determined to take practical action now and make the best possible use of the resources available to us.

“The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is about delivering improvements that people will see and feel. By concentrating our efforts over a defined period, we can make a meaningful difference and demonstrate our commitment to improving the heart of our town.”

Last week, Councillor Kevin Parry, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, visited the town centre to identify locations where improvements could be made. He said: “This is a practical initiative focused on achieving tangible results. By concentrating resources and activity in the town centre, we can improve the local environment and create a cleaner, more welcoming place for residents, businesses and visitors.

“However, the Council cannot do this alone. Many of the buildings affected by issues such as graffiti, neglect and poor maintenance are privately owned. That’s why we are asking both commercial and residential property owners to play their part and help improve the appearance of the town centre.

“Looking after our town is a shared responsibility and, by working together, we can create a cleaner and more attractive environment for everyone.”

Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, also visited the town centre to help prioritise improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

He said: “We know that revitalising the town centre is a long-term challenge that requires investment and action from a range of partners, including landowners, businesses and public sector organisations.

“The Big Town Centre Clean-Up will not solve every challenge facing the town centre, but it will make an immediate and noticeable difference to how the area looks and feels.

“This is about taking action now while we continue to develop our longer-term plans for regeneration and investment. The new planters in Havelock Street are an example of how small improvements can add up to make a positive difference to the public realm and help make the town centre a more attractive place to visit, work and spend time.”