On Tuesday Ealing Council’s cabinet meeting approved a new charter for Southall, which sets out aspirations for improving the town.

The charter sets out a new and improved vision for Southall and describes a host of community-led projects and funding initiatives that will help make the vision a reality.

Around 19 projects have been identified so far. Amongst these are youth employment projects, a cleaner Southall campaign and a range of cultural events aimed at increasing civic pride, bringing communities together and attracting visitors to the area.

Six small projects will be financed by grants from Ealing Council with longer-term funding raised through a secure five-year ethical savings bond.

The ‘Southall Bond’ will enable local investors to support projects upfront, with the option to also share all or part of their interest with local charitable projects when the bond matures.

The charter is the result of the ‘Big Conversation’ project, held earlier this year, asking local people to share their views on how to make Southall safer, healthier, better-connected and more prosperous.

More than 1,200 people, business and community groups took part and the information was fed into the charter, which was drawn-up jointly by Ealing Council, the police, NHS, Jobcentre Plus, Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College and the Southall Community Alliance.

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council said: "We’re already investing more than £11 million in regenerating Southall Town Centre. The charter adds to the physical improvements we’re making to streets, parking and signage."

"It also goes way beyond asking people their opinion; it gets Southall’s unique blend of people, businesses and cultures working together to create a thriving, diverse town that’s a great place for residents and visitors alike."

The charter’s official launch will be held at the Southall campus of Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College on the 13 December from 7pm to 9pm. Anyone wishing to attend should call Shehzad Ahmed on: 020 8825 9234.