On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of August 2010 Pakistan and India Independence Days will be commemorated in Southall.

People travelling through Southall should expect traffic delays and should seek alternative routes. Road closures in the evenings will ensure that only residents with ID will be allowed access to local streets.

The Pakistan celebrations will be more sombre due to 2 reasons. Firstly it is the month of fasting for Muslims and secondly the devastating floods that have taken place in Pakistan.

Hopefully the majority of the Pakistan supporters will be sensible enough to divert their attention and energy to more important matters like the plight of the millions of Pakistani flood victims.

Even Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari, has said that there should be no official celebrations of Independence Day.

Ealing Borough Police will carry out a policing operation on both days to ensure this is a safe and happy time for all.

The following advice for previous years by Superintendent Dave Paterson of Ealing Borough Police, responsible for the policing operation during the celebrations, is true for all years.

"Police Officers will be on duty to ensure that those people who are celebrating can do so safely, whilst at the same time minimising the disruption caused to residents, businesses and transport systems."

"There are sometimes a few people who use these events to behave in an anti-social manner, such as driving dangerously or behaving in a disorderly way."

"This type of behaviour is unacceptable and we believe our visible police presence will deter such behaviour and, if necessary, allow us to deal with offenders swiftly."

"We are fortunate on this borough, that generally speaking the community meets the religious and cultural celebrations that take place in the area with tolerance and patience."

"However, it is very important that the communities of Southall are able to carry out their day-to-day activities without unacceptable behaviour and unreasonable disruption."

"We aim to maintain the free flow of traffic on both Independence Days."

"I would encourage people who intend to meet up with family and friends to celebrate the Independence Days in the Southall area to use public transport, which will help us minimise congestion in the area."

"I would encourage those planning to attend Southall during the celebrations to think safety at all times, ensure that valuables including mobile phones are well secured when out on the street and to behave responsibly."

We wish everyone Happy Independence Days.