A council is threatening enforcement action for landlords who fail to improve the look of their properties next month.

Swindon council says there are over 2,000 private owners and landlords with homes in the town centre.

It says a special effort is being made by the council to spruce up the area in the final two weeks of August and it’s dropped a leaflet telling landlords it expects them to play a part.

The leaflet says they should “review the external condition of their and carry out any maintenance work needed, including:

“Removing graffiti and unwanted markings promptly;

“Keeping front gardens and external areas free from litter, waste and unwanted items;

“Repairing and maintaining fences, gates and boundary walls;

“Ensuring bin storage areas are clean, tidy and well maintained;

“Cutting back and controlling overgrown vegetation; and

“Maintaining the overall appearance of the property to a good standard.”

And the leaflet from the council carries this threat: “Where appropriate, the Council will consider formal enforcement action if properties continue to have a detrimental impact on the local environment.”

The council also recently wrote to what it calls “prominent commercial property owners whose buildings are displaying visible signs of neglect, including graffiti, overgrown vegetation, broken windows and unsecured openings.”

A council spokesperson concludes: “We’re reminding homeowners and landlords of their responsibilities and encouraging them to address issues that have a negative impact on their neighbourhood and the wider appearance of the town centre.”