MORE than 500 people across Swindon have raised their concerns as part of a new campaign aiming to improve the town.

The Labour group decided to launch the drive in the wake of the local elections and it started with the hashtag #Swindondeservesbetter on social media.

Labour councillor for Mannington and Western Jim Robbins said: “We were hearing a lot from people on the doorstep that they were frustrated with the council and the way they felt they weren’t being consulted in any meaningful way.

“We wanted to explore these concerns and have been asking people to share the three biggest issues that they think are facing the town at the moment.”

Cllr Robbins asked people on Facebook to send him three things that they would like to change about the town.

And in only a couple of days, more than 500 people came forward to answer the question.

Crime, the state of the town centre and heritage buildings, access to doctors, traffic and the environment were the most raised issues.

“We thought we would try to use social media to ask this question and we have been delighted by the response from residents,” said Cllr Robbins.

“We are starting to collate the responses and we will be using them to inform our ideas, policies and manifestos for the town.

“The campaign will have a few stages – determining the issues, working out how the council can address them, then challenging and lobbying the Tory administration to make those changes”

Labour activist Ravikumar Venkatesh added: “This campaign is really important to get people’s opinions.

“I am very delighted so many people are engaging with the campaign.

“We are trying hard to get out to residents and determine their views on how best to improve the town.

“Some issues will be those that can be sorted by the parish and others by the borough council.”

In response to the campaign, deputy council leader Russell Holland said Conservatives are already working closely with residents.

He said: “Labour are doing very badly both nationally and locally so it’s not a surprise they want Tories to do something.

“As Conservatives we talk to residents all year round and deliver the results that people want.

“We have consistently delivered fair and affordable Council tax, protected, and enhanced, Lydiard Park and Coate Water, invested in the Health Hydro, are working with Historic England to make visible progress of restoring the Mechanics, lobbying government for £25m to replace our ageing bus station, and been very successful obtaining infrastructure funding to ensure that new developments are high quality and sustainable.

“Most importantly Swindon Conservatives are proud of Swindon.

“We are always speaking up to promote the town and its economy and the services that the council provides.”