The Southall Community Partnership Conference was held on Wednesday evening at The Centre Banqueting on Merrick Road, Southall.

Selective guests were invited by The Southall Partnership, The Leader of Ealing Council, The Metropolitan Police’s Borough Commander, and the Safer Neighbourhood Board for Ealing to the 3rd annual meeting of The Southall Big Plan.

This year’s meeting was sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Policing & Crime (MOPC) and had a strong focus on Neighbourhood Policing in Southall and was a chance to meet the 5 ward team and senior officers to discuss concerns and ideas.

The focus was on the future of Southall and were thus joined by representatives from St James (gas works developer), Catalyst Housing (Havelock Estate Developer), Cross Rail, National Grid, Heathrow Academy and Ealing Council Departments (Safer Communities, Regeneration and Skills Training).

The Conference panel members consisted of Councillor Julien Bell (Leader of Ealing Council), Councillor Ranjit Dheer (Deputy Leader Ealing Council) and Ealing Borough Commander Paul Martin. It was chaired by Janpal Basran, manager of the Southall Community Alliance. The conference organiser was Jags Sanghera.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer said that there used to be 8 to 12 serious accident per year on the Broadway. Since the improvement to the Boulevard there have been no serious accidents and the traffic is flowing more freely.

He said two new squares have been created – Southall Square in front of Lidl and Manor Square on The Green – which can be used for local events.

Councillor Julien Bell said that Ealing is probably the best place in the country especially with Crossrail coming, in respect of good commuting connections.

He added that Funding has been approved to bring forward the bridge widening at the Southall Railway Station site.

Jags Sanghera, a lifelong resident of Southall and the organiser urged the residents to take the initiative. His new motto is “If you feel the need – take the lead” and do something.

Ealing Borough Commander Paul Martin recognised that the Southall community cohesion was very strong. Earning our trust and responding to our concerns was his priority.

A Questions and Answers session followed.

When will the toilets at Southall Park be opened?
Councillor Julien Bell’s response was – We have secured ongoing funding but want to deliver a good quality solution. Opening the toilets at Dane Road could be a temporary solution.

What are you going to do about Ealing hospital closure?
Councillor Julien Bell’s response was – We commissioned a report and based on that are seeking further legal advice about a judicial review.
Paediatric services are going to close next June. Voice your support against that.

What have you done for the youth? Why is youth funding being cut?
Councillor Julien Bell’s response was – We have invested in sports and recreational activities e.g. Spikes Bridge Park where artificial 3G pitch.

We managed to protect youth services for 4 years but not any longer. Further cuts needed to balance the budget.

Traffic congestion, as predicted by residents, has worsened in Orchard Avenue due to altering the direction of traffic in the one way street. Councillor Julien Bell said he was happy to look into the matter.

What is being done about outhouses and rogue landlords?
Response – Working with other organisations …. ongoing work

What can be done about residents who dump rubbish like mattresses in their front garden?
Councillor Julien Bell response was that the Council can ask for it to be removed and if that was not done, there were mechanism to clear it at the owner’s expense.

Entrants were entered into 2 prize draws, one for their local ward draw and one for everyone. There were 2 winners in each ward and 3 winners in the other draw.

Christmas carol singing (also with dhol players) was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Afterwards a buffet was served.