FRESHBROOK village centre is set to undergo a major revamp thanks to a £90,000 grant from the council to spruce up the area.
The centre, which was built 25 years ago, has never had any work carried out to rejuvenate it since being built. This has meant shrubery has been allowed to overgrow, some paths have cracked and the road markings have faded.
In February last year, then council leader Rod Bluh announced £900,000 was to be used to breathe fresh life into tired village centres such as Covingham Square, Liden, Eldene, Toothill, Freshbrook and Guildford Avenue, in Lawn, over the following two years. This year that figure was slashed to £450,000.
Coun Michael Bray, who represents the Lydiard and Freshbook wards, said he was very pleased the village would benefit from the money.
Proposals on how to spend the cash can be viewed at the community centre, in Worsley Road.
These plans include new paving to repair any cracks to the surface, digging out and planting more flowers around the centre, clear signage for the village, additional car parking spaces and more road markings.
“It will tidy up the village centre which has not been touched for almost 25 years and it’s not well presented at the moment,” said Coun Bray, who has lived in Frreshbrook for 33 years. 
“We are located near to Junction 16 so lots of people call in to see what is there on their way into Swindon.
“It will improve the appearance and is something that is quite needed. The main thing is to keep everybody who is living and working here happy.
“There is limited money available for tree pruning but we will be cutting back the trees so people can see the lights.”
He said work on the scheme should begin in February.
Coun Cindy Matthews, who also represents Lydiard and Freshbook, said it was good the project was going ahead but it had taken a long time.
“Talks for this started before I was elected,” said Coun Matthews.
“People were having monthly meetings to discuss what was needed but then it all died out.
“It is quite dangerous outside of the community centre, there are these big planters which police say youngsters use to congregate behind.
“I’m glad the work is going ahead but I don’t see why it has been such a long process.”