ENFORCEMENT
Working together
A recent , wide-ranging operation responded to requests from residents by helping make Southall safer and cleaner for all .
It looked at almost every aspect of life in the town centre that might need improvement including food businesses , beauty salons , shops selling alcohol , illegal traders , fly-tipping , and anti-social behaviour .
By providing advice and support – and cracking down where it was needed – it was hoped the six-month operation would improve the quality of life for people working and living in the town ; and also raise awareness among businesses to help them avoid potential problems occurring in the future .
The council and its contractors worked with the police and immigration and customs teams on the operation , which consisted of seven joint projects in targeted parts of the town .
By sharing information and working together , the various teams coordinated their efforts to provide advice to businesses ; issue warnings or legal notices to those breaking rules ; and tackle problems they uncovered .
‘ IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE ’ Councillor Ranjit Dheer , cabinet member for safety and community services , said : “ Along with our own evidence coming through , we had a number of complaints from residents at ward forums and via other channels about a variety of problems in the town centre . Rather than the council ’ s various departments acting alone with their own issues individually it seemed to make far more sense for them all to combine forces with each other – and with our partners – to carry out a properly joined-up operation that will help local people build some lasting improvements .”
Inspector Andrew Deane , of Ealing Police , said : “ We have really listened to the local community in Southall , especially around their daily quality of life concerns such as persistent street drinking , drug dealing and associated
32 around ealing Spring 2017