Suzanne Fernandes is a Green Party candidate standing in East Acton in the Ealing Council local elections on 7 May 2026. She sets out her views.
“Ealing deserves safer streets — it starts with taking ASB seriously
“I am a criminal justice practitioner and community advocate based in West London, committed to public safety, social justice and community empowerment.
“I am proud to be standing alongside my fellow Green Party candidates for East Acton with Sam Diamond and Marijn van der Geeras part of a team committed to putting residents first.
“I grew up in Ealing with strong ties to Acton, where I made my first home. I attended St Gregory’s Catholic School and St Augustine’s Priory.and I have long-standing connections to places like Ealing Cricket Club. This is my community—and I care deeply about its future.
“Through my work in criminal justice and community safety, I have supported grassroots initiatives, partnership working and neighbourhood engagement. I have also served on the advisory board of Tell MAMA, helping to tackle hate and strengthen community cohesion.
“I am also the founder of Ealing Freegle, which now supports over 24,000 residents across the borough. It is proof that when communities are supported, they thrive.
“But across the borough many residents feel that on one issue in particular, they are not being heard: anti-social behaviour.
“From neighbourhoods near the A40 Western Avenue corridor, residents report persistent problems with noise nuisance, alcohol and drug-related activity, and intimidation. Estates and residential roads are being affected and for many, this is not occasional—it is constant.
“And too often, these issues are linked to poorly managed or unlicensed HMOs.
“When housing is not properly regulated, the impact goes far beyond the property itself. Vulnerable tenants can be placed in unsafe conditions, while neighbours are left dealing with the consequences—disturbance, disorder and a breakdown in community trust.
“Why are unlicensed HMOs still operating after 6 months their HMO license has expired. Are tenants aware of Rent Repayment Orders?
“Why does enforcement feel inconsistent?And why do residets feel they have to keep reporting the same issues without seeing any changes?
“If we are serious about tackling ASB, we must also be serious about enforcement.
“That means:
“Taking firm action against rogue landlords
“Identifying and closing unlicensed HMOs
“Supporting tenants who are being exploited
“Working visibly with residents, police and council teams such as community safety, property regulation and licensing at Ealing Council
“Too many residents feel they are only heard when problems escalate and a crisis. By then, the damage is already done.
“East Acton have diverse and resilient communities. But strong communities need support, accountability and leadership that is present – not distant on only email.
“Together, as Green Party candidates we are committed to working alongside residents to ensure concerns are acted on and not overlooked.
“Because safer streets, better housing and stronger communities should not be promises made at election time—they should be delivered every day.
“Please join Met Engage to find out more about your local neighbourhood teams/alerts by typing in your postcode: https://www.metengage.co.uk/
“Ealing RISE is a free and confidential service supporting residents in the W and UB (Southall) postcode areas, aged 18 and over, who are currently using or have used drugs and/or alcohol within the past three months, offering tailored treatment, recovery support and community-based interventions: https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/ealing-rise
Full coverage of the Ealing Council local elections and candidates standing, can be found here.
