Swindon Borough Council has joined forces with Wiltshire Police, local businesses, residents and community groups to take a fresh look at safety and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Councillors Matt Hinton and Matt Vallender joined Wiltshire Police and the Council’s Community Safety team for a walkabout on Thursday, 30 July, meeting people who live, work and spend time in the town centre to hear directly about the problems they are experiencing.
The visit forms part of ongoing work through Swindon’s Community Safety Partnership to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and identify where further action may be needed.
Concerns raised during the walkabout will feed into the wider work of the partnership, with the Council saying it wants to ensure resources are targeted where they can make the greatest difference.
The visit also comes ahead of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up, which will take place during the final two weeks of August. The programme will include graffiti removal, deep cleaning, paving repairs and weed clearance, with businesses and landlords also being encouraged to improve the appearance of their properties.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering the town centre and Broadgreen has been in place since August 2025. It prohibits activities including street drinking, public urination and the use of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters in ways that put pedestrians at risk.
Authorised Council and police officers can issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 for breaches of the order. Since its introduction, 80 notices have been issued.
Councillor Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, said: “People who live, work and run businesses in our town centre deserve to feel safe and supported.
“We know anti-social behaviour remains a concern for some residents and businesses, which is why it’s so important that we continue listening to those directly affected and understanding where challenges remain.”
He also revealed that CCTV systems in several town centre car parks are being upgraded. The new systems will include live-audio facilities, allowing control room operators to speak directly to people at the scene in an attempt to disrupt and deter anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Matt Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said the visit had provided an opportunity to hear directly from those affected.
“We need to understand where existing measures are making a difference and where further action may be needed,” he said.
The Council is also planning to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000, as part of its wider approach to tackling environmental crime.
Det Sgt Scott Young said Wiltshire Police was working with the Council to identify repeat offenders and use powers including Criminal Behaviour Orders and Closure Orders where appropriate.
“Anti-social behaviour has a significant impact on those who live, work and visit Swindon town centre and we are determined to take action against those responsible,” he said.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said tackling anti-social behaviour required organisations to work together, with residents, businesses, police, the council and community groups all having a role to play.
The Council says the combination of enforcement, increased patrols, improved CCTV, environmental improvements and partnership working is intended to create a town centre that is cleaner, safer and more welcoming.
