Swindon Borough Council has stepped up efforts to remove graffiti from the town centre, publishing footage showing teams using pressure washers on buildings including the Health Hydro. The activity forms part of a wider programme of maintenance the council says will intensify during the last two weeks of August.
What the council is doing
The council described the current work as a targeted clean-up, with crews concentrating on visible tags and damaged surfaces in key public areas. Where evidence is available, including CCTV, the authority said it will work with Wiltshire Police to pursue action against those responsible for criminal damage.
- Pressure washing of graffiti at locations such as the Health Hydro.
- A concentrated period of activity called the Big Town Centre Clean-Up during the final two weeks of August.
- An emphasis on using existing council resources to tackle street cleaning, bench refurbishment and weed clearance.
"Where we have evidence, including CCTV footage, we work closely with Wiltshire Police to take action against those responsible for criminal damage."
Responsibilities and limitations
The council emphasised that it owns only about five per cent of land within the town centre, and urged residential and commercial property owners to address graffiti and maintenance on their own buildings. That appeal highlights a practical limitation: while the authority can respond on council-owned land, much of the town centre remains in private or other ownership.
For residents and businesses this means the forthcoming August effort will be visible in public spaces and on council-owned assets, but property owners should not rely solely on the council for upkeep of privately owned façades and entrances.
Programme of works
The council listed the main elements of the focused clean-up. These are being carried out using existing staffing and equipment, rather than through a separate new budget allocation.
| Action | Focus |
|---|---|
| Graffiti removal | Town centre buildings and furniture (pressure washing) |
| Street cleaning | Main pedestrian routes and public spaces |
| Bench refurbishment | Seating in central areas |
| Weed clearance | Sides of pavements and public planters |
Local traders, building owners and residents should expect an increased presence of council teams during the specified fortnight and may wish to coordinate any private cleaning or repair work to avoid duplication.
In addition to enforcement action where offenders can be identified, the council is relying on community cooperation to maintain the town centre’s appearance. The combination of targeted removal and appeals to private owners aims to reduce recurrence and improve the look of public spaces ahead of the busy autumn period.
