The outdoor steps and fountain beside a supermarket in a busy shopping area of Swindon are set to be renovated this year after hundreds signed a petition.

Residents have complained that the fountain, outside Asda at the Orbital centre, has not been functional for years and that the steps are barely used after being boarded off to the public.

This prompted a petition, campaigning for both the steps and the fountain to be fixed this year.

The petition already has over 200 signatures since it was set up earlier this month, with several members sharing their thoughts on why the change needs to happen.

“When I first moved to North Swindon the Orbital had a real community vibe going, people would sit on the stairs and bands would be playing,” said David Brookes.

“Such a great place to be and then the stairs were closed down for good it seemed, and the fountains turned off. Sort it out, it's badly needed.”

Another signatory of the petition, Sheila Noll, said: “It's an absolute eyesore and has been for far too long.”

Swindon Advertiser: The steps and the fountain at the Orbital Shopping Park in Swindon have not been operational for years.The steps and the fountain at the Orbital Shopping Park in Swindon have not been operational for years. (Image: Dave Cox)

The petition seems to have produced its desired effect as it has been announced that repair work on both the steps and the fountain will commence soon.

An Asda spokesperson said: “Following conversations with the relevant parties, we can confirm that work is scheduled to be carried out to repair the steps outside of our Swindon Haydon store.”

The majority of the Orbital Shopping Park land is owned by British Land but the supermarket and the carpark in front and to the side of it, as well as the library building, adjacent steps, and fountain are all on Asda land. 

This positive news was also the subject of comment from Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, who has been following up the progress of the redevelopment especially in recent weeks.

“Thankfully after I have done much chasing, I am pleased that Asda have confirmed works will carry out on the steps from Monday, February 20,” he said.

“Asda have also surveyed the fountain area, with costs now with their senior team for approval. 

“The vast majority of the site is owned by British Land who continue to invest and maintain their areas to a high standard so Asda finally sorting these two outstanding areas of work is very much welcomed.”