LIKE it or lump it, the David Murray John Tower has become an established part of Swindon's skyline.

It is a symbol of the town, used by the council in its promotional work.

So the people who live there should expect it to be maintained, almost cherished, by the council.

Not a bit of it.

The high-rise block has been neglected since the surrounding Brunel Centre was sold off to a private company.

And while the shopping centre has been well maintained, the flats have sat there virtually untouched.

Now they are used as a place of shelter by the homeless. Drug addicts use them, residents feel under the threat of violence, and until recently there was confusion about what to do in the event of an emergency.

It has got to stop.

The residents aren't asking for vast amounts of money to be spent on their home. They simply want to see the fruits of the extra money they pay towards maintenance and security.

And they need to know who to deal with when they attempt to approach the council for help.

Council estates manager Chris Cossey admits there have been "shortcomings in procedures".

The Evening Advertiser will be keeping a close eye on events in future weeks to ensure those shortcomings are dealt with quickly and efficiently.