Big Town Centre Clean-Up announced for Swindon in August 2026

The council set out its plans on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The Big Town Centre Clean-Up was scheduled for the final two weeks of August at key places in Swindon town centre, using the council's existing resources.

What work was planned?

• Removing graffiti from council-owned buildings and property
• Cleaning bins and jet washing at key sites
• Refurbishing benches
• Replacing damaged and worn paving
• Clearing weeds and overgrowth

New planters had already been put in on Havelock Street.

Fly-tipping and neglected buildings

The council said its fly-tipping enforcement team would step up patrols in known hotspots, and that it was taking steps to raise the fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000.

Owners of prominent commercial buildings showing signs of neglect, such as graffiti, overgrowth, broken windows or unsecured openings, were to be contacted and asked to put things right by the end of August, with formal enforcement possible after that. Residential owners and landlords were to be reminded of their responsibilities for graffiti, boundaries, garden waste and bin areas.

How could residents take part?

The council planned a community action day for local groups, businesses and volunteers, and asked people to report problems through its online Report It service.

Council leader Councillor Gary Sumner said: "The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is about delivering improvements that people will see and feel."

The council described the clean-up as a short-term step while longer-term regeneration plans are drawn up, and said financial pressures limit what maintenance it can do across the borough.

Source: Swindon Borough Council.