Dean Gardens– Action Group update
We reported, in September, on the first Joint Action Group meeting held to coordinate the response of the Police, Council and other local agencies to the incidents involving the young night-time group that is new to this area. Now, a third but totally unconnected incident has occurred in the small hours of the morning on Wednesday 19th October. As the second, follow-up, JAG meeting was already scheduled for today, this latest incident was included on the agenda. This note summarises the overall situation and the main outcomes of the meeting for the local community.
Fundamentally, West Ealing is part of a residential area, not a centre for ‘gang behaviour’ or any other illegal activity. Already, during the daytime the park is busy with families, many enjoying the children’s facilities. The situation at night is also improving, particularly at weekends.
The increased police resources on the ground have already had a positive effect. Their numbers will be even higher this weekend with the aim of further increasing visible law enforcement. Nothing is being left to chance and residents will be very pleased to hear that the police are, and will be, taking a very firm stance. The work of the plain clothes and SNT officers gathering intelligence is continuing in parallel to this. The latest incident is being investigated by a special dedicated police unit.
As planned, the Council, Fire Brigade and Police have started their coordinated review of commercial premises in the area to ensure that licensing, planning and food health and safety legislation is being strictly enforced. Local Shisha and Khat café outlets are a particular focus, and already we are delighted that operators are cooperating by signing a Responsible Retailer Agreement. This is a key first step in the drive to minimise any local ‘under the counter’ sales. Again, in parallel, local outreach organisations such as St Mungo’s and Ealing
Council Adult and Children’s Services are also involved to help cushion any impact on the genuinely homeless and disadvantaged.
In summary – progress has already been achieved. The recent incident is unconnected with the past pattern and is being investigated very thoroughly. We can all continue to help. If you are aware of any anti-social behaviour or drug related incident, you can report it by ringing 101 (this number is for all calls to the police other than emergencies – for which please ring 999). 101 will get you through to the Metropolitan Police who will pass the details to a duty officer in Ealing for collation by our intelligence team.
If you have any additional queries, you can contact our local Walpole Police SNT on 020 8721 2949
Thank you.
Patrick Chapman, Walpole SNT Focus Panel
Chair
21st October 2011
It’s a chance to have a drink and a chat with your neighbours in West Ealing, meet some new people, and maybe even make a connection or two! We’re inviting local tweeters, bloggers, foodies, councillors and personalities. There will be locals to talk to about the arts in Ealing, including local film, reading and music. Or, if you’re interested in the bricks and mortar of our community, you can talk to people about local planning issues and regeneration. Maybe there’s a fantastic local restaurant you want to tell everyone about?
