Big Town Centre Clean-Up hailed a success

Over the past month, the clean-up has brought together the council, businesses, volunteers and local communities in a shared effort to improve the appearance of Swindon town centre.

A spokesperson said: "The 15 per cent of the council's budget not spent on statutory social care services funds everything else the council delivers, including maintaining public spaces across the borough.

"In the town centre, this includes everyday services such as emptying litter bins three or four times a day, street cleansing and maintaining public spaces.

"The Big Town Centre Clean-Up enabled us to build on this ongoing work, intensifying efforts and working alongside volunteers and partners to maximise impact."

The work has included repairing paving made uneven by tree roots, removing graffiti from council-owned property, clearing weeds, pruning trees and shrubs, installing new planters at Wharf Green,
power washing and specialist cleaning of the Golden Lion statue on Bridge Street.

The council says that one of the most encouraging aspects of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up has been the response from residents, community groups and local businesses.

So far 150 volunteers have helped with everything from litter picking to restoring benches and planters, and also clearing overgrown vegetation.

The spokesperson said: "We are particularly grateful to British Gas, Zurich Community Trust, Penshurst Construction and UK Shared Business Services Ltd, which all provided teams of volunteers."

Supported by volunteers from Keep Swindon Tidy and Eastcott Community Clean Up, more than 40 Borough and parish councillors worked alongside South Swindon Parish Council and borough council officers on projects across the town centre and neighbouring areas.

Their work included clearing litter and fly-tipping, removing graffiti and restoring benches at Wharf Green.

In addition, people serving community sentences have also contributed to the clean-up programme.

Through three Community Payback sessions organised with the Probation Service, people completed unpaid work benefiting local communities while supporting rehabilitation and giving something back to the town.

The council has also hand-delivered leaflets to more than 2,000 homeowners and landlords, encouraging them to review the condition of their properties, and contacted owners and occupiers of buildings and land having a negative impact on the area's appearance.

Where appropriate, the council says, it will consider formal enforcement action where issues are not addressed.

There are plans to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice for fly-tipping offences detected by the council's enforcement team from £400 to £1,000, and CCTV systems are being upgraded.

The spokesperson added: "The Big Town Centre Clean-Up has delivered some positive results and demonstrated the value of partnership working and community involvement.

"However, maintaining momentum will require ongoing effort, investment and collaboration from everyone with a stake in the town centre's future.

"The council is currently developing a new Council Plan and considering future budget priorities, including opportunities to strengthen public realm maintenance services.

"Work is also continuing to explore the creation of a new Business Improvement District (BID), which could provide additional investment for cleaning, maintenance and environmental improvements.

"This month's clean-up has shown what can be achieved when people come together. 

"The challenge now is to build on that progress and continue working towards a cleaner, safer and more welcoming town centre for everyone."
 

Subscribe to The Link