The initiative, known as The Big Town Centre Clean-Up, will take place during the final two weeks of August and will see existing council resources redirected into key areas of the town centre.
The programme will include graffiti removal from council-owned buildings, jet washing of streets and bins, paving repairs, bench refurbishments and the removal of weeds and overgrown vegetation.
The council said the work is intended to address concerns that parts of the town centre have become tired and neglected while longer-term regeneration projects continue to be developed.
The clean-up will also be backed by increased enforcement against environmental crime. Fly-tipping officers will carry out additional patrols in known hotspots, while proposals are being prepared to increase Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000.
Commercial property owners whose buildings show signs of neglect, including graffiti, broken windows, overgrown vegetation or unsecured premises, will be contacted and encouraged to improve them by the end of August.
The council said formal enforcement action could be taken where necessary. Residential landlords and homeowners will also be reminded of their responsibilities for maintaining boundaries, gardens, graffiti removal and bin storage areas.
Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“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.”
Councillor Kevin Parry, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said the council wanted to deliver practical improvements but needed support from property owners.
He said:
“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.”
Alongside the council’s work, businesses, community groups and volunteers will be invited to take part in a community action day to help improve the town centre environment.
Residents will also be encouraged to report issues using the council’s online Report It service.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “We know that revitalising the town centre is a long-term challenge that requires investment and action from a range of partners.
“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.”
The announcement marks the first significant visible initiative linked to the council’s long-term plans for regenerating Swindon town centre, with further projects expected to be announced over the coming months.
Seeing is believing and asking Private Owners to remove Graffiti from their buildings rather than offering to do it for them is a mistake