A six-week public consultation began on 14 November, asking residents what they think of Ealing Council putting a legal order in place in West Ealing to help ensure the law-abiding majority of people feel safe to use and enjoy public spaces. You have a week left to have your say.
As we reported at the time, the legal order would make West Ealing a ‘protected’ zone with the aim of improving the quality of life for residents.
The legal order would give powers to the police and council enforcement officers to help them to deter trouble – and to deal with persistent problems ‘on the spot’.
Several local groups that help vulnerable people in the area have already been consulted on the ideas being proposed, including Ealing RISE Drug and Alcohol Service and St Mungo’s homelessness charity.
Now the council wants the views of as many local people as possible.
How to take part in the consultation
To find out more and have your say, fill in an online consultation form by 5pm on Friday, 23 December 2016.
If you would like to request a paper copy of the consultation form, call 020 8825 5994 or email safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk– and make sure the form is returned by 23 December 2016.
Part of a wider plan
The proposed order was drawn up with the aim of complementing a number of other schemes currently operating in West Ealing.
Key driving forces behind certain crimes and types of anti-social behaviour in West Ealing have been identified by research carried out by the safer communities team. It has highlighted the wide availability of cheap, high strength alcohol in the area; and groups of people congregating around late night, fast food restaurants.
In one project, officers have therefore worked closely with other agencies, including the police and RISE, to target specific individuals regularly involved in this kind of trouble – to either penalise them or get them help, as appropriate; and, in another project previously piloted in Southall, the team has also been working with local businesses that sell alcohol or have late licences. By working with these businesses it has helped make sure they are complying with the law and operating safely and legally.
