On Friday, Inspector John Carroll, Sergeant Shahid Malik and 2 constables visited Chaudhry’s TKC on Southall Broadway. The aim was to meet and get the views of the Muslim community of Southall. They had already met with the Sikh and Hindu community members.

The diverse communities of Southall have lived together peacefully for a long time. In the late 80s, Southall had to cope with the Tooti Nungs and Holy Smokes. Today, Southall has seen the emergence of the AK47 (Sikh radical group) and the ABB (Afghan Bad Boys - Muslim).

The older generation may not be fully aware of theses gang but the local school children are fully aware of them and their activities.

The police have been called on numerous occasions to stop the fighting and now days there is a visible increase in Police presence around Southall Broadway.

No community leaders are happy with the activities of these gangs.

Even intelligent and sensible children are intimidated into joining these gangs and the gangs intimidate/harass others.

The way to tackle these gangs, according one teenager present was to “target the gang leaders” and show that crime does not pay.

On a more positive note, there was good news for shoppers and residents walking along the Southall Broadway. They will no longer be pestered daily by a dozen professional beggars, as most of them have been dealt with.

The next meeting at Chaudhry’s TKC will be on the 25th June when the Ealing Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor will attend.