Swindon town centre is set for a concentrated makeover later this summer as the Borough Council launches a two-week programme of improvements aimed at tackling some of the issues most frequently raised by residents and businesses.
The Big Town Centre Clean-Up, due to take place during the final fortnight of August, will see existing council teams focus their efforts on key locations across the town centre, carrying out a range of maintenance and environmental improvements.
The work will include removing graffiti from council-owned buildings, deep cleaning bins, jet washing public spaces, refurbishing benches, replacing damaged paving and clearing weeds and overgrown vegetation.
The initiative comes as the council acknowledges that financial pressures have limited the level of maintenance it can provide across the borough, with the concentrated programme intended to deliver the greatest visible impact where it is most needed.
Council Leader Councillor Gary Sumner said residents had made it clear that parts of the town centre were beginning to show their age.
“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.”
Alongside the physical improvements, the council’s fly-tipping enforcement team will increase patrols in known problem areas throughout the clean-up.
The authority is also seeking to raise the Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000, sending what it says is a clear message that environmental crime will not be tolerated.
Attention will also turn to privately owned buildings that have become eyesores.
Owners of commercial properties displaying graffiti, broken windows, overgrown vegetation or unsecured entrances will be contacted and encouraged to carry out repairs before the end of August. The council says formal enforcement action could follow where problems remain unresolved.
Residential landlords and homeowners will also receive reminders of their responsibilities, including keeping gardens tidy, maintaining secure boundaries, removing graffiti and ensuring bin storage areas are properly managed.
Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, Councillor Kevin Parry, said improving the town centre depended on everyone playing their part.
“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.”
As part of the initiative, a community action day will also be organised, giving local volunteers, community groups and businesses the chance to get involved in improving the town centre. Residents will also be encouraged to report issues using the council’s online Report It service.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Matthew Vallender, said while the clean-up would not solve every challenge facing the town centre, it would provide a welcome boost.
“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.”
Whether the programme marks the beginning of a wider revival remains to be seen, but for many who use the town centre every day, cleaner streets, repaired paving and the removal of graffiti will be a welcome start.
