Community Demands Action on Anti-Social Behaviour at The Mount in Acton
A recent report by Ealing.News has highlighted growing concerns from residents and business owners in Acton regarding a rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) around The Mount and the nearby Morrisons supermarket.
Locals have reported an escalation in street drinking, substance misuse, suspected drug dealing, and public defecation. These issues are heavily impacting daily life, resident safety, and the local economy, both during the week and on busy market days.
Over Two Decades of Community Enterprise Threatened
Action West London has operated Acton Market as a social enterprise on The Mount for over 20 years. When the market was first established, it served as a vital tool to reduce anti-social behaviour by bringing positive energy, footfall, and local trade into the square.
However, the current situation has shifted drastically. The presence of the market is no longer enough to deter these growing issues on its own, and the ongoing disruption is actively hurting our independent market traders who rely on a welcoming environment to make a living.
Our CEO at Action West London, Gary Buckley, spoke directly to Ealing.News about the detrimental impact this behaviour is having on the community asset we manage:
“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.
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.”
How Authorities and Partners are Responding
In response to the community’s frustrations, local agencies and partners have outlined the enforcement and preventative steps currently being taken:
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Metropolitan Police Enforcement: The Met Police confirmed The Mount remains a priority. Over the past two months, four individuals were arrested in the Morrisons car park for drug supply offences, resulting in three prison sentences so far. Additionally, criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) are being sought in court to legally ban persistent street drinkers from entering the town centre.
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Ealing Council Powers: Ealing Council stated that tackling crime and ASB is a top priority. The council has strengthened its borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), granting police and council officers decisive powers to deal with persistent offenders. They also host monthly ‘Shop Watch’ intelligence-sharing meetings with local business owners.
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Acton BID Support: Acton Business Improvement District (BID) continues to fund regular security patrols and a CCTV camera monitored by the council. Their teams operate a weekday cleaning buggy service to clear waste and jet-wash affected public areas, while also working on physical design measures to deter anti-social gatherings.
Action West London remains fully committed to collaborating with the police, Ealing Council, Acton BID, and local residents to ensure The Mount remains a vibrant, safe, and welcoming community hub for everyone in Acton.
💬 Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour: If you experience or witness anti-social behaviour in the area, Ealing Council advises contacting the Safer Communities Team directly on 020 8825 5994 or via email at safercommunities@ealing.gov.uk.
👉 Read the Full Article: To read the complete investigative report and full statements from residents and authorities, visit the original piece on Ealing.News.