The work began in Wharf Green on Monday morning and will take place between 6am and 8.30am on weekdays over the coming weeks before moving to other parts of the town centre.
The cleaning programme forms part of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up, which also includes repairing damaged paving, removing weeds, tackling graffiti and encouraging property owners to improve the condition of their buildings.
Last week, council teams started repairing uneven paving in Wharf Green after tree roots caused sections of the surface to lift. More repair work is planned across the town centre.
Swindon Borough Council said the campaign is designed to make the greatest possible impact using existing street scene resources throughout August, despite more than 85 per cent of its budget being spent on statutory social care services.
Earlier this summer, weed-control treatment was carried out across the town centre, with the results now becoming visible in areas including Newbridge Square.
Council teams have also continued removing graffiti in response to reports from residents, while proposals are progressing to increase fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000.
The authority has also written to commercial landlords, businesses and residential property owners reminding them of their responsibility to maintain buildings.
With around 95 per cent of land and buildings in the town centre under private ownership, the council said it will consider formal enforcement action where properties continue to have a negative impact on the area.
Community volunteers are also set to play a key role in the campaign, with all 180 available places for clean-up sessions during the final two weeks of August already booked.
Volunteers will take part in litter-picking, restoring benches, refreshing flower beds and removing graffiti. A team from British Gas has also signed up to clear waste materials from inside the tented market on Market Street.
Councillor Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said:
“The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is about bringing together the Council, businesses, volunteers and local communities to make a visible difference to the appearance of our town centre.
“Every improvement matters. By targeting our existing resources and focusing activity in key areas, we can achieve a greater impact. Power-washing pedestrian areas, repairing paving, removing graffiti and tackling weeds will all help create a cleaner and more welcoming environment.”
He added that while the council’s first approach is to work with property owners voluntarily, enforcement action remains an option where properties continue to blight the town centre.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said:
“It has been really encouraging to see the level of interest and support for The Big Town Centre Clean-Up.
“Residents, businesses and visitors have told us they want to see improvements to the town centre, and this initiative is helping to make that happen.
“We recognise that this will not solve every challenge facing the town centre, but it is a positive step forward and one that reflects the improvements people have told us they want to see.”
The council has confirmed the power-washing operation is exempt from Thames Water’s temporary hosepipe ban, allowing the work to continue as planned.
