Southall residents opposed to the relocation of Recovery Intervention Services Ealing (RISE), an Ealing Council-commissioned service for adults experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol, from West Ealing to the former Southall Town Hall, are planning a public protest later this month over concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Southall Residents’ Alliance claims the February 2024 relocation of RISE from West Ealing is linked to an increase in crime and drug-related anti-social behaviour in Southall and says the move took place without a public consultation involving local residents. The group is also calling for increased police patrols, continued action against drug dealing and measures to restore public confidence.
The Alliance has organised the demonstration outside the former Southall Town Hall on 15 August 2026, from 1pm to 4pm. The group is seeking meetings with senior Metropolitan Police and Ealing Council officials to discuss concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour and public safety.
Residents have also raised concerns about the impact of the relocation of RISE on children walking to and from schools in Southall, according to the Alliance.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Alliance said: “We refuse to allow our home to be treated as a dumping ground for systemic failures. Our children have a fundamental right to walk to school without fearing for their safety, and we expect our public officials to face us and deliver a real timeline for change.”
Responding to the campaign group’s claims, Ealing Council said: “There is no evidence that the current issues are being caused by the relocation of RISE.”
An Ealing Council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “Southall deserves to be a safe, welcoming place for everyone who lives, works and visits here. We understand why residents and businesses are concerned, particularly about reports of open drug use and intimidation, and we take this seriously. This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we’re working closely with police to increase patrols, target known hotspots close to South Road and St Joseph’s Drive, and take action against those involved in crime, including drug dealing.
“Services supporting people with drug and alcohol dependency have been part of Southall for many years, and they play an important role in helping people into recovery and reducing harm in our communities. There is no evidence that the current issues are being caused by the relocation of RISE. What we are seeing reflects a more complex picture, including displacement from enforcement activity elsewhere and existing pressures in the area.
“At the same time, we recognise that some people sleeping rough and others facing complex challenges need support. That is why we are bringing together enforcement with compassionate outreach, ensuring that those who need help are supported while those who break the law face the consequences.
“We are increasing CCTV monitoring and on-the-ground patrols, with further targeted police activity planned, while stepping up outreach to move people off the streets and into support. We have listened to residents and businesses, and we will continue to take whatever action is necessary to protect our town centre and ensure Southall remains a place people can be proud of.”
, an Ealing Council-commissioned service for adults experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol, from West Ealing to the former Southall Town Hall, are planning a public protest later this month over concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.){kind=link}