Swindon Borough Council is calling on residents, businesses, councillors and council staff to help give the town centre a fresh look by taking part in The Big Town Centre Clean-Up later this summer.
Running during the final two weeks of August, the initiative will see council teams carrying out a programme of environmental improvements aimed at creating a cleaner and more welcoming town centre.
Planned work includes power-washing public spaces, removing graffiti, repairing damaged paving and clearing weeds from streets and public areas.
To build on that work, volunteers are being encouraged to lend a hand with practical projects such as litter-picking, restoring benches, refreshing flower beds and helping to remove graffiti.
Participants can register for a volunteer session between 10am and 3pm, with activities allocated on the day according to operational priorities.
Volunteer sessions will take place on weekdays from Monday 17 August to Friday 28 August.
Councillor Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said: “We regularly hear from residents who want to see improvements to the appearance of the town centre, and The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and make a visible difference.
“Council teams will already be carrying out a range of public realm improvements, including power-washing, graffiti removal, paving repairs and weed clearance. By bringing together residents, councillors and council colleagues to support tasks such as litter-picking, restoring benches and refreshing flower beds, we can achieve even more.”
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said the project builds on work already taking place with businesses and property owners.
“We’ve already been working closely with businesses and landowners, and now we’re asking the wider community to play their part too.
“Creating a clean and welcoming town centre is something we can all get behind, and I hope people will come forward to support The Big Town Centre Clean-Up and complement the fantastic work local volunteers and community groups carry out throughout the year.
“Whether you’re a resident, councillor or council employee, this is a chance to make a positive, visible contribution to the heart of our town.”
The council hopes the campaign will not only improve the appearance of the town centre but also encourage greater community pride and support for the volunteers and organisations that work year-round to keep Swindon looking its best.
