Ealing Liberal Democrat councillors have raised concerns about drug use, violent crime, antisocial behaviour and women’s safety in the borough during a meeting with a senior Metropolitan Police officer.
Councillors Gary Malcolm, Connie Hersch and Matt Mellor met Superintendent Sean Lynch, who oversees neighbourhood policing in Ealing, last month (10 September 2026) to discuss problems affecting West Ealing, Acton and Southall.
Drug use in Lammas Park was among the concerns raised, with the councillors saying residents had reported suspected Class A drug use to the police, Ealing Council and Park Guard.
The Liberal Democrats said police and council officers were increasing surveillance in the park following the reports. Concerns have also been raised about whether the park’s drainage scheme has made some areas less visible, although there is no evidence linking the works to drug use.
Other issues in West Ealing included antisocial behaviour in Melbourne Avenue and rough sleeping outside West Ealing Library.
The councillors also called for a greater police presence around Acton Park, Acton Vale and Southfield Recreation Ground following concerns about drug crime, violence and antisocial behaviour.
In Southall, discussions covered local crime and how the Metropolitan Police is using technology, including drones, e-bikes and facial recognition, to tackle offending.
Violence against women and girls was also raised, with discussions covering how local agencies are looking beyond domestic abuse to address wider concerns about women’s safety.
Councillor Connie Hersch, Ealing Liberal Democrats’ deputy leader and shadow spokesperson for culture, sport, communities and crime, said the party was working with police to ensure residents’ concerns were heard, but accused Labour of failing to give crime and crime prevention in Ealing “the priority it deserves for people to feel safe in all neighbourhoods”.
