Offenders help clean up Swindon town centre through community payback scheme

People who have been convicted of minor offences are helping clean up Swindon town centre as part of a community payback programme organised with the council and probation service.

The scheme allows people who have been given community sentences to complete unpaid work in their local area, with the aim of giving something back to the community.

In Swindon, supervised groups are taking part in the council's Big Town Centre Clean-Up, which was launched in response to concerns raised by local residents about the condition of streets and public areas.

The first community payback clean-up session took place on 19 August, with participants carrying out work including removing graffiti.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the probation service, with the council saying that the safety of participants and members of the public remains a priority throughout the work.

Matt Hinton, cabinet member for community engagement, safety and services, said the council would look at whether community payback could play a wider role in supporting communities across Swindon once the current sessions have been completed.

The council said the initiative could help address environmental issues that matter to residents while providing practical support to existing clean-up operations.

Kevin Parry, cabinet member for recycling and streetscene, thanked the probation service for working with the council and said the programme would give participants an opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community.

The community payback work forms part of a wider Big Town Centre Clean-Up involving council staff and volunteers.

Other work has included removing litter and graffiti, power-washing pavements, tidying flower beds and clearing vegetation in areas including Fleming Way.

People completing community payback already help maintain Whitworth Road Cemetery in Swindon.

The council said it hopes the work will help improve the appearance of the town centre and respond directly to concerns raised by local residents.

Council representatives have also encouraged people to take pride in Swindon town centre and help look after shared public spaces.

The clean-up comes alongside other improvement work in the town, including the restoration of the Golden Lion statue on Bridge Street, which was created to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

The scheme highlights how community sentences can be used to carry out practical work that benefits local areas, while allowing offenders to make a positive contribution as part of their rehabilitation.