Leaflets are being delivered to residents and property owners across the town centre asking them to inspect the outside of their properties and carry out any necessary maintenance.
The campaign encourages people to remove graffiti, clear litter and unwanted items from front gardens and external areas, repair fences and boundary walls, tidy bin storage areas, cut back overgrown vegetation and keep their properties in good condition.
The Council says it wants to work with residents voluntarily but has warned that formal enforcement action could be considered where properties continue to have a negative impact on the local environment.
The appeal follows a recent move by the authority to contact a number of commercial property owners about buildings that have fallen into disrepair. Concerns raised included graffiti, broken windows, overgrown vegetation and unsecured premises.
Council teams are due to spend the final two weeks of August carrying out the Big Town Centre Clean-Up using existing resources. Planned work includes deep street cleaning, jet washing, paving repairs and weed removal across key areas.
Councillor 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.”
The Council says there are more than 2,000 privately owned homes within Swindon town centre, meaning homeowners and landlords have an important role in improving the area’s appearance.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, 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.”
