Swindon Conservative Councillor David Renard, yesterday, unveiled his proposals for a new caretakers scheme in Swindon. From April of this year, 32 caretakers will be working in Council Housing areas to improve the environment and quality of life for those residents. Their role will include the removal of graffiti, litter and fly-tipping as well as reporting local residents' concerns to the relevant agencies such as abandoned cars. Although the scheme will benefit mainly Council tenants, those owner occupiers living nearby will also see some benefit. Tenants will be paying a modest weekly charge for this service but there will also be a fair contribution from Council Tax to help fund it.

 

In North Swindon, all wards will receive the service and see the benefits. Areas with the highest density of Council Housing should see the greatest impact such as Meadowcroft in St Philips, parts of Moredon, Penhill and Pinehurst. However, Cllr Renard has made it clear that all areas must be covered.

 

He says "The pilot scheme in West Swindon and the Railway Village proved very popular and similar schemes around the Country have shown that this is a successful service that tenants want. Therefore we are extending it across the Borough and hope that Housing Associations will also want to participate in the scheme as they do elsewhere."