Power-washing underway as part of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up

The cleaning programme will take place between 6am and 8.30am on weekdays over the coming weeks, starting in Wharf Green before moving to other areas of the town centre.

Last week, Swindon Borough Council teams began repairing sections of paving in Wharf Green that have become uneven over time due to tree root growth. Repair work in other parts of the town centre is also being scheduled.

While more than 85 per cent of the Council's budget is dedicated to delivering statutory social care services for residents, The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is focused on enhancing the town centre in the immediate term by intensifying existing services and targeting resources during August where they can have the greatest visual impact.

At the end of June, the entire town centre received a weed-control treatment. Following the standard period required for the treatment to take effect, positive results are now visible in locations including Newbridge Square.

Council teams have also been proactively identifying and removing graffiti in the town centre, alongside responding to reports submitted by residents through the Council's website. In addition, proposals are being progressed to increase fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000.

With approximately 95 per cent of land and buildings in the town centre under private ownership, the Council has contacted commercial property owners encouraging them to address property maintenance issues. Similar correspondence has also been sent to residential property owners and landlords. Where properties continue to have a detrimental impact on the local environment, the Council may consider formal enforcement action where appropriate.

Meanwhile, 180 slots have so far been booked by residents, local businesses, councillors and council staff at volunteer sessions taking place during the final two weeks of August. Volunteers will support activities including litter-picking, bench restoration, refreshing flower beds and removing graffiti.

A team of volunteers from British Gas has signed up to help remove waste materials from inside the tented market on Market Street.

Councillor Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said: "The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is about bringing together the Council, businesses, volunteers and local communities to make a visible difference to the appearance of our town centre.

"Every improvement matters. By targeting our existing resources and focusing activity in key areas, we can achieve a greater impact. Power-washing pedestrian areas, repairing paving, removing graffiti and tackling weeds will all help create a cleaner and more welcoming environment.

"We've also asked commercial and residential property owners and landlords to play their part by addressing maintenance issues that are their responsibility."

“Our first approach is always to work with people to resolve issues voluntarily. However, where properties continue to have a detrimental impact on the local environment, the Council may consider formal enforcement action where appropriate.”

Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: "It has been really encouraging to see the level of interest and support for The Big Town Centre Clean-Up. Residents, businesses and visitors have told us they want to see improvements to the town centre, and this initiative is helping to make that happen.

"At a time when the vast majority of the Council's budget is committed to delivering essential statutory services, this programme demonstrates how we can focus existing resources and work alongside volunteers and partners to achieve more together.

"We recognise that this will not solve every challenge facing the town centre, but it is a positive step forward and one that reflects the improvements people have told us they want to see."