RESIDENTS in Broadgreen won't recognise their own streets after the neighbourhood is given a facelift.

The transformation, which is part of the Streets For Living Project, begins on Monday, and will improve the street scene in the area.

The changes will include the creation of a Home Zone within Gladstone Street and Salisbury Street, which involves improved parking, paved areas, new street lighting, trees and landscaped features.

There will also be extra traffic calming measures put in place in Ponting Street and Graham Street.

The idea is that through creative design, the streets will become welcoming communal spaces, where people can participate in a wide range of cultural and community activities.

It is hoped that by using the streets and alleyways more, it will act as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour.

Ward councillor Derique Montaut (Lab) said: "It is a positive initiative that we welcome, because the area is in need of support.

"There has been massive investment in the town centre and it is crucial that attention is paid to the wards further afield.

"The money from this project is long overdue because it is an area that was tired and needed something to uplift it."

The Streets For Living Project, in partnership with Wiltshire Police, La Courneuve, near Paris and Hilversum, in Holland, aims to improve community cohesion and the environment of the area.

The project is the second and final phase of the innovative European scheme, led by Swindon Council, and is due to be completed by February.

It is also part of the council's 50 promises.

Due to the work, there will be road closures in the affected streets, Broad Street, Gladstone Street, Salisbury Street, Ponting Street and Graham Street.

Residents have been consulted and informed about the work and alternative residents' parking is being arranged.

To minimise disruption to traffic to homeowners, only two of the streets will be closed at any time, and work will be carried out from 8am until 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8am until 4pm on Saturday.

Peter Greenhalgh, the cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Strategic Planning, said: "This exciting project is already showing signs of success and the positive response we have received from residents so far is extremely encouraging.

"We apologise for any disruption caused by the second phase of works, which is crucial to further enhancing the environment and quality of life in the Broadgreen area of Swindon."