More than 2,000 homeowners and landlords are being encouraged to help improve the appearance of Swindon's town centre as part of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up this summer.
The council is delivering leaflets to residents and property owners across the town centre, asking them to review the external condition of their properties and carry out any maintenance work needed, including:
- Removing graffiti and unwanted markings promptly
- Keeping front gardens and external areas free from litter, waste and unwanted items
- Repairing and maintaining fences, gates and boundary walls
- Ensuring bin storage areas are clean, tidy and well maintained
- Cutting back and controlling overgrown vegetation
- Maintaining the overall appearance of the property to a good standard
The leaflet explains: "Where appropriate, the Council will consider formal enforcement action if properties continue to have a detrimental impact on the local environment."
The activity follows letters recently sent by the council to a number of prominent commercial property owners whose buildings are displaying visible signs of neglect, including graffiti, overgrown vegetation, broken windows and unsecured openings.
During the final two weeks of August, the council will focus existing resources on a range of environmental improvement work across the town centre, including street cleaning, jet washing, paving repairs and weed removal.
Cllr Kevin Parry, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene said: "The council is responsible for maintaining the public realm, but we need residents, homeowners and landlords to play their part in The Big Town Centre Clean-Up.
"We're encouraging property owners to take a fresh look at the condition of their homes and take action where it's needed, whether that's removing graffiti, cutting back overgrown vegetation or keeping external areas free from litter and waste.
"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."
Cllr Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: "There are more than 2,000 privately owned homes in the town centre, so homeowners and landlords have a significant role to play in helping create a cleaner, more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
"While many properties are well maintained, there are some where upkeep has clearly been neglected for some time.
"We're reminding homeowners and landlords of their responsibilities and encouraging them to address issues that have a negative impact on their neighbourhood and the wider appearance of the town centre.
"The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is about everyone playing their part in improving the environment and appearance of the town centre."
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