Residents Allege Sharp Rise in Open Drug Taking
Locals in Southall, West London, have reported a dramatic surge in public drug use, which they attribute to the relocation of a drug recovery service to their neighbourhood. The Recovery Intervention Service Ealing (RISE) moved from West Ealing to Southall in February 2024, following complaints from residents in the previous location. Since then, community members claim to have observed a 'fourfold' increase in individuals openly making and smoking crack cocaine on the streets. Video evidence reviewed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) appears to support these allegations of visible drug consumption.
Council Defends Relocation Decision
Ealing Council has denied that the centre's move is responsible for the rise in public drug use. A council spokesperson stated that RISE provides essential community services, including assessments and short-term treatment for addiction to substances like heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. The council emphasised that there is a legal obligation to offer drug and alcohol treatment services, and that RISE has operated in Southall for 13 years across three different locations.
At a Full Council meeting on June 30, resident Herpreet Nirwal questioned Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives, Cllr Paul Driscoll, about the lack of resident consultation before the relocation and the escalation of drug use, aggressive begging, and intimidation. Cllr Driscoll responded that the council's safer community service and councillors have requested increased police presence. He noted that the service helps individuals reintegrate into society and lead healthier lives.
Resident Voices Fear and Frustration
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Nirwal described Cllr Driscoll's response as 'waffle'. He expressed deep concern about open drug taking, stating: 'There are people, they will sit on our road and they will openly smoke a crack pipe or they'll openly build their drugs, you know, make them, prepare them, get them ready, all that paraphernalia and it's just, it's annoying.' He added that his mother is now hesitant to go for a morning walk because of intimidating individuals in the park.
Mr Nirwal believes that drug dealers have targeted the area, approaching vulnerable users near the facility. 'The worst thing is we're seeing new people every day. These drug dealers know this is where their customer base is,' he said, suggesting dealers base themselves around RISE to attract those seeking treatment.
Council and Police Response
Cllr Driscoll assured that increased patrols are already in place, with the Metropolitan Police deploying the tactical support group to Southall. He outlined plans for coordinated patrols between police and the council park guard service, proactive CCTV monitoring to spot suspicious behaviour, and intelligence gathering to understand the nature of the problem. The council spokesperson added: '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.'
The council maintains there is no evidence linking the current issues to the relocation of RISE, attributing them to displacement from enforcement elsewhere and existing pressures. Further targeted police activity and outreach efforts are planned to move people off the streets and into support.
