Residents and businesses in Acton are calling on the Met Police and Ealing Council to step up efforts to make The Mount safer, following what they say is a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.
Locals have told EALING.NEWS they have seen an increase in street drinking, substance misuse, suspected drug dealing and public defecation in and around the Morrisons supermarket and surrounding area.
Residents say the situation has worsened over recent months and is affecting daily life and the local economy, both during quieter periods and on busy market days.
One resident described repeated incidents in and around their building over a recent weekend, including intruders entering communal areas, suspected drug activity and groups gathering overnight.
They said: “As soon as the market leaves, the dealers and junkies are out in force. All of Saturday night we had people taking drugs, shouting and disturbing us between 10pm and 10am beneath our building and in front of the surgery.
“They also got into our courtyard and defecated everywhere. This is pretty much a constant occurrence — especially Saturday night to Sunday morning.”
Another resident said they and others had begun informally monitoring the building due to concerns about security, adding that some encounters had felt intimidating and that the situation had worsened over the past nine months.
They said: “Residents feel vulnerable visiting The Mount at night and on days when the market isn’t running. Even on trading days, the market is being negatively affected by this activity. The doctor’s surgery, flats and churches are dealing with daily dealing and defecation.
“Currently, there seems to be no concrete plan from the council, the police or the Safer Communities teams to deal with these increasing issues, other than advising residents to keep reporting them. Local people are tired, fed up, and growing increasingly frustrated. Acton residents have long felt like the poor relation of Ealing.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Gary Buckley, chief executive of Action West London, which runs the market, said: “The Mount is the heart of our community, but the increasing levels of anti-social activity are having a detrimental effect on everyone. It hurts our local market traders, discourages residents from using the space, and undermines the social enterprise work we do to help people into jobs.”
Mr Buckley added: “Crucially, this behaviour makes those living and working there feel fearful in their own environment. Solutions must be found to address these issues and ensure that everyone — traders, residents, businesses and visitors alike — can feel safer. We all have a responsibility to look after this area so it remains a welcoming place for all of Acton to enjoy.”
In response, the Metropolitan Police said the area remains a priority for local officers.
A spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “The Mount, Morrisons car park and the surrounding residential streets remain a key focus for the neighbourhood team and the dedicated town centre officer.
“With regard to street drinkers, all key individuals have now been identified and are at various stages of enforcement action. Two offenders are currently awaiting court hearings for Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), which, if granted, will prohibit them from entering the town centre and will carry the risk of imprisonment if breached.”
Police said that over the past two months, four people had been arrested in the Morrisons car park for possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.
The spokesperson added: “Three have since been charged and imprisoned, while one remains on bail pending further enquiries.
“We continue to work closely with partners including Ealing Council, Acton BID and Morrisons, as well as local charities, to provide long-term support and diversion for homeless individuals and to address persistent problem areas in both Morrisons car park and The Mount.”
Police also said an “emerging issue” had been identified in nearby Berrymead Gardens, with increased patrols now in place.
The spokesperson said: “Patrols have been increased in the area to identify the individuals responsible, and joint work is underway with our partner agencies to develop a sustainable long-term solution.”
They added: “Following the most recent Ward Panel Meeting, this priority will continue to be a focus and will be reviewed again at the next scheduled meeting.”
An Ealing Council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “The council has monthly shop watch meetings with business owners in which we review repeat offenders, share intelligence and feedback on action being taken. We also work closely with Acton police safer neighbourhoods together with other local stakeholders to address problems in the area. We have not been made aware of that anti-social behaviour taking place at this site.
“Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is one of the council’s top priorities and we are working tirelessly with our partners — including the police, local businesses, community safety groups and resident associations — to address the issue.
“We have renewed and strengthened our borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order, giving both police and council officers sharper, more decisive powers to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour swiftly and firmly.
“If residents or local businesses are experiencing anti-social behaviour they can contact our safer communities team either by telephoning 020 8825 5994 or emailing safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk ”
Natasha Patel, BID Manager at Acton BID (Business Improvement District), told EALING.NEWS the organisation is working with businesses and partners to address antisocial behaviour in The Mount:
“MLB security officers patrol the area regularly, responding to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour (ASB), with businesses connected via BID radios and a dedicated WhatsApp group. The BID also funds and maintains a CCTV camera monitored by Ealing Council.
“Cleanliness is maintained through the BID’s weekday cleaning buggy service, with rangers clearing waste, jet-washing when needed, and monitoring the area throughout the week. Fly-tipping is reported via the LoveCleanStreets app.
“The BID is currently working with affected businesses on plans to introduce physical measures to deter ASB. Meanwhile, the Pokopia Urban Garden — delivered in partnership with Electric Sheep Events — is now active and helping to improve the area’s appearance.
“Your Acton BID continues to attend monthly stakeholder meetings and host regular security forums, with ongoing engagement from the Metropolitan Police and Safer Neighbourhood Team.”
