Two friendly faces will soon be known all over Penhill.

Keith Fellows and Joe Dwan are part of a pilot scheme, which will bring a team of uniformed caretakers into the estate.

The five team members, who will be easily recognisable in a red and blue uniform, are all currently employed as caretakers by Swindon Council.

But the team is new, and will aim to provide a safe and clean neigh-bourhood after the official launch by Swindon MP Michael Wills on June 14.

Joe, 42, of Whitworth Road, has been taking care of buildings around the area for 10 years.

He said: "I've been doing my job for so long because I really enjoy it. Sometimes it's difficult and some-times it's very rewarding. No two days are the same.

"The tenants want us there and I'm sure the scheme will be successful. We will aim to help with whatever needs doing around the estate."

His colleague Keith Fellows, 43, from Upavon Court, Penhill, is looking forward to meeting more residents from the estate.

Keith, who became a caretaker in Penhill five years ago, said: "The difference between the old job and the new scheme is that now we will be covering a wider area.

"The uniforms make us more visible so people will be able to spot us and stop us in the street if they have issues they want to discuss."

After consulting with tenants, councillors and community repres-entatives, the council decided to run the scheme initially for a six-month trial.

The caretakers will cost the council about £18,000 each a year, which includes salaries, tools, cleaning products, and uniforms.

An £11,000 grant from Central Government has also been put into the scheme.

Mark Walker, Swindon Council's area estates manager, said: "There won't be any new cost to the council as such because the individuals are already employed by us.

"We won't know exactly how much the team will cost because we'll have to assess things, such as the amount of materials used, after the initial six-month trial.

"This is much more of a front line service, which will not only help people sort out difficulties, but will also hopefully prevent damage and other problems around the estate."

Following the six-month trial the housing, health and social services commission will review the situation.

If it is a success it could extended across the borough. The team will be serving some 2,200 homes in the estate, housing about 8,000 people.