Trees line Sheppard Street near Swindon station car park

Five new trees, which line the road opposite Swindon Rail Station's West car park, appeared on Sheppard's Street in Swindon this week, each with its own bed of yellow Rudbeckia flowers.

The newest additions come as part of ongoing improvement works to the Railway Village, which have so far proved controversial.

The newly installed bench on Sheppard's Street gained national headlines last month as it was named one of the “worst in Britain” for being placed on a chicane, facing a brick wall.

But despite ongoing confusion surrounding the bench, the latest addition of trees has been welcomed so far.

Locals and passersby have praised Swindon Borough Council for their efforts.

The new trees lining Sheppard Street are a welcome sight for pedestrians (Image: Newsquest)

"I'm loving the new street trees on Sheppard Street in Swindon, with their permanent flower beds," said Mark Funnell, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter. 

"It has made a massive difference to this previously featureless and very urban and traffic-heavy road."

Passerby Emma, whose surname has not been disclosed, told the Swindon Advertiser: "I think they look great.

"It definitely adds a bit of colour and life into what was otherwise quite a dull, industrial-looking street just filled with concrete.

"I hope the council adds more green stuff like this around the town to be honest."

The 'controversial' bench which was installed last month as part of the improvements (Image: Newsquest)

Improvements to Swindon's Railway Village are set to continue with the new trees and the bench marking just the beginning of changes to this street.

“As part of the improvement works ongoing in the Railway Village, we’re in the process of making London Street a better and more pleasant environment for pedestrians," said a spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council.

“This includes the addition of new trees, planters, benches and a pocket park outside the Sheppard Street underpass.

Each tree is surrounded by a permanent bed of flowers (Image: Newsquest)

“The work is still taking place and the area around the pictured bench is not yet complete as further improvements are planned.

“When finished it will provide a resting place for those visiting the historic quarter or those navigating their way round the new heritage trails that have been created.

“The enhancements in the local area link in with the ongoing regeneration of the Carriage Works which, in the future, will have new businesses and organisations with more people visiting and working in the area.”