BANK chiefs have pledged to smarten up the Wantage branch of HSBC after it was branded “scruffy” by councillors.

Members of Wantage Town Council said the bank, in the former town hall, should be given a clean as part of council efforts to tidy up the town.

Sue Dawes, a spokesman for HSBC, said: “HSBC is aware of concerns raised over the appearance.”

She said work would be carried out at the branch over the next month, adding: “This will include essential maintenance and an upgrade of the facade.”

The council has a number of improvements planned for the centre of the town, including refurbishment of the King Alfred statue in Market Square and digging up weeds.

Last year the town received a grant for £98,000 from the South East England Development Agency and traders have been bidding for money to smarten up their shopfronts.

Town councillor Jenny Hannaby said: “The town council has written to the bank to ask for something to be done but the outside of the building is still looking very shabby.”

Former mayor Patrick O’Leary added: “With the new paint going up on all the smaller shops, the HSBC has started to look rather tired and scruffy.”

Work on the Market Place will also include three new recycling bins in the Victoria Cross forecourt and new flower displays. The planned work to the statue includes spotlighting and a saxon shield design in the paving at the base. The council is also paying for new ‘fingerpost’ signs to guide visitors.

Linda Hatter, a member of Wantage Chamber of Commerce, said: “Small changes go a long way. It will be a more attractive place to come to.”