AN ICONIC venue in the heart of Old Town was given a long-overdue clean on Friday after pictures were posted online showing how neglected and filthy it had become.

The Old Town Bowl in the Town Gardens regularly hosts concerts and community events but had fallen into disrepair in recent years.

As reported by the Adver last week, Swindon 105.5 manager Shirley Ludford compered a festival event there earlier this month and was shocked by the state of the place.

The pictures she took got a big reaction online from politicians and members of the public who then rallied to join together and restore the 1930's landmark to its former glory.

Claire Ellis, Conservative councillor for Old Town, and parish councillor Nick Burns-Howell organised the big clean.

Shirley said: "It's happening! I'm chuffed to bits with the response and that it's happened so quickly.

"I've been inundated with calls from people saying it's an excellent thing to do.

"Local people of all ages have shown an interest in what we're doing and hopefully this will be a catalyst for regular maintenance."

Nanogreen Sustainable Cleaning offered their time to help for free when they saw the article in the Advertiser.

They'll be returning throughout the year to continue the clean-up.

Craig Duff, the company's director and owner, said: "When I saw the article, I contacted Shirley and offered my services.

"It's not actually that bad, the Bowl just needs a bit of time spent on it and it will soon be back up to a respectable standard.

"We will commit some days over the next year to cleaning and jetwashing the front and back of the building."

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland lent a helping hand, bringing pupils from Ridgeway School with him who were doing work experience at his office.

He said: "I'm delighted to come and support this and make a difference.

"Shirley put out the appeal then Councillor Claire Ellis and I discussed it and decided to get involved, Claire's done a lot of work putting this together.

"These youngsters with me were learning about the life of an MP and they came along to get the full experience."

Cher Smith volunteered to be part of the community clean-up.

She said: "I work for the Swindon food bank and if I can find two hours of my time to to help with things like this, I will.

"This is such an important place for the community that we really have to look after it."

Labour and Conservative councillors also pitched in to tidy the back of the Bowl.

Jane Milner-Barry, Labour councillor for Old Town,  said: "The whole Town Gardens is so lovely and this is really a jewel but it has been neglected for several years.

"This theatre should be such an asset to Old Town and it's in a beautiful area so I'm very happy to lend a hand."

Nadine Watts, fellow Labour councillor for Old Town,  said: "We should make the most of the Bowl and it's good to give something back.

"It's nice to see people get involved - many hands make light work."

Coun Ellis now wants to turn her attention to another Swindon landmark in dire need of a spit and polish.

She said: "The Coate Water diving board needs work but it's a listed structure so that will be a little bit harder to organise."