Perivale news

Crime & Safety Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 09:53

Murder conviction in Hanwell: Alvin Gitahi found guilty of killing Vivienne Baraka

On Thursday 6 August 2026 a jury at Southwark Crown Court found Alvin Gitahi (43/44, of Uxbridge Road, Ealing) guilty of the murder of his former partner Vivienne Baraka. The 35-year-old mother was killed on 26 March 2024 at her flat in Riverside Close, Hanwell.

Council Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 09:49

What next for West Middlesex Golf Course? Council regains control of the land – but the future of the golf course remains open

Ealing Council has agreed a three-party deal concerning West Middlesex Golf Course. After the Cabinet decision on 9 July and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee upholding that decision on 23 July, the Council will regain control of most of the site. The club has been granted only a short lease until the end of September 2027, while 2.27 acres may pass to a private investor.

Transport Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 09:48

Did an Ealing pothole damage your tyre or wheel? You can make a claim – but compensation is not automatic

The bang is unmistakable. A wheel drops into a pothole, the steering suddenly feels wrong and a few minutes later the driver discovers a damaged tyre, bent alloy or suspension problem. The first reaction is often: “The Council should pay for this.” Sometimes it may.

Community Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 06:03

More Than 7,800 Households Are Waiting for Housing in Ealing. Why Can’t Empty Homes Solve the Crisis?

Housing pressure in Ealing is measured not only in rising rents and property prices, but in thousands of households waiting for a social home. Ealing Council’s Housing Annual Report for 2024/25 says that more than 7,813 households were on the housing waiting list at the end of March 2025.

Crime & Safety Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 06:03

What happens to a stolen phone in London? It is no longer just petty theft – it can be part of an international business

For many Londoners, having a phone snatched from their hand looks like a simple street crime: a thief on a bicycle or e-bike grabs the device and disappears. Behind some of those thefts, however, police have uncovered something much larger. Metropolitan Police figures show that 117,211 mobile phones were recorded stolen across London in 2024.

Environment Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 06:03

What are children breathing on the school run in Ealing? Road traffic still drives much of the borough’s local pollution

Every weekday morning thousands of children walk, cycle, scoot or are driven to school across Ealing. For many families the journey lasts only ten or twenty minutes. But it often takes place at exactly the time when roads around schools are busiest.

Community Ealing · 8 Aug 2026, 06:03

Why was Ealing called the “Queen of the Suburbs”? The story behind a nickname more than a century old

“Queen of the Suburbs” sounds more like a marketing slogan than a historical title. But in Ealing the phrase has genuine roots. To understand it, we have to go back to the nineteenth century, when Ealing was changing from a collection of villages and semi-rural settlements into a rapidly developing suburban town.

Community Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 21:04

Benefit Fraud Raids in Ealing and Harrow – £200,000 Investigation

On 6 August 2026 Metropolitan Police and DWP investigators executed warrants at addresses in Ealing and Harrow. A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of involvement in an organised scheme that allegedly involved false Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment claims.

Money & Support Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 21:04

Mortgage Rates Rising Again – What It Means for London Buyers and Remortgagers

Average two-year and five-year fixed mortgage rates have climbed noticeably through the first half of 2026. Two-year fixes for higher loan-to-value deals have moved above 5% in many cases, levels not seen since the previous spike. Analysts link the upward pressure partly to global uncertainty, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its effect on energy and financial markets.

Housing Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 13:31

London Is Still Not Building Enough Affordable Homes – The Latest Target Was Missed

The Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes Programme 2021–26 delivered 14,335 affordable housing starts by March 2026. This fell short of the already-reduced target of 17,800–19,000 starts. Nearly four out of five of the homes that were started were for social rent.

Community Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 12:43

A London transport service for disabled passengers is closing on 1 September – what replaces Capital Call?

Transport for London is closing the Capital Call assisted transport service on 1 September 2026. The service will continue to operate until 31 August. After that date it will no longer be available.

Crime & Safety Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 12:21

Why Southall residents say “the Council is treating us like a dumping ground”? Protest against the RISE centre on 15 August

Southall residents have been raising the alarm for many months that their neighbourhood is being treated as a place where Ealing Council “dumps the problems” of other parts of the borough. The most controversial example is the decision to relocate Recovery Intervention Services Ealing (RISE) – a service for people with drug and alcohol addiction – from West Ealing to the former Southall Town Hall.

Environment Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 11:32

What is allowed and not allowed in Ealing parks? Dogs, BBQs, alcohol and other rules

What is allowed and not allowed in Ealing parks? Dogs, BBQs, alcohol and other rules Ealing parks are for everyone, but clear rules apply. Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control.

Environment Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 11:32

The Thames once smelled so bad that politicians fled Parliament. Then it was declared “biologically dead”

Most of us look at the Thames today and see a wide, calm river. Sometimes even seals. Few people picture what it was like not so long ago – one of the most repulsive rivers in Europe.

Council Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 10:59

Ealing Council spent over £65,000 replacing missing and stolen office equipment. Who is responsible?

In April 2024 a concrete case came to light that still surfaces in discussions about how money is managed in Ealing. A leaked internal email from the Council’s ICT department showed that more than £65,000 had been spent in just six months replacing computer and office equipment that had gone missing or been stolen.

Transport Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 08:06

How many electric buses run in London today and has the switch to zero-emission vehicles been worth it?

London now operates the largest zero-emission bus fleet in Western Europe. In June 2026 Transport for London announced that the number of zero-emission buses (mostly battery-electric) had passed the 3,000 mark – roughly one-third of the total fleet of just under 9,000 vehicles.

Money & Support Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 08:05

Where does Ealing Council get its money and what is it spent on? Residents’ council tax, government grants and the real budget picture

Every year Ealing residents receive their council tax bill and wonder: how much of what we pay actually goes on real services, and how much disappears into the system? Official Ealing Council documents (Statement of Accounts and Council Tax guides) give a reasonably clear picture.

Community Ealing · 7 Aug 2026, 08:04

Who is responsible for cutting hedges and boundaries in Ealing? Residents’ and Council duties explained

In Ealing a common question arises: who should cut a hedge that overhangs the pavement or blocks a neighbour’s light? The answer depends on who owns the land and what kind of problem it is. 1.

Community Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 15:36

Why does your cat come to the bed at night and try to wake you up? And do cats actually like sleeping with their owners?

Almost every cat owner knows the scenario. It’s 3:17 a.m. You’re in a deep sleep.

Council Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 15:29

Who really runs Ealing Council? Senior officers – the people who manage the organisation every day

Most Ealing residents know the councillors. They know who the Leader is, who sits on the Cabinet, and who represents their ward. Far fewer people know who actually runs the organisation day to day – who is responsible for whether services work (or don’t), whether the budget is under control, and whether political decisions are turned into reality.

Schools Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 14:49

Free School Meals in Ealing – who can get them and how to apply (changes from September 2026)

From September 2026 the rules for Free School Meals are changing. The most important change is that all children from households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals – the previous £7,400 income threshold will no longer apply.

Council Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 11:01

Ealing Council debt hits almost £842 million – up 72% in a decade. Who is responsible?

At the end of the 2025/26 financial year Ealing Council’s debt stood at £841.9 million. That is an increase of more than 72% compared with a decade earlier. Although the figure fell slightly last year, it remains almost 28% higher than five years ago.

Council Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 10:49

Ealing Council closes Broadway Living housing companies – £6.55m loss. Opposition accuses Labour of delaying the decision

Ealing Council (Labour-run) has decided to close its two wholly owned housing companies – Broadway Living and Broadway Living Registered Provider (BLRP). The decision was taken at Cabinet on 10 June 2026. The companies were set up in 2014 to help speed up the delivery of affordable homes in the borough.

Community Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 10:45

Hedgehogs in Ealing fight for survival – residents are building them “highways” through gardens

Hedgehogs are one of Britain’s most loved animals – and one of the most threatened. Since 2000 their numbers across the UK have fallen by between 30% and 75%. In Ealing, local groups (Ealing Hedgehog Friends and Ealing Wildlife Group) are working to reverse the decline.

Community Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 10:44

Getting around London and Ealing in a wheelchair – how easy or difficult is it really?

For wheelchair users London is a city of contrasts. Significant progress has been made in recent years, yet everyday travel still involves many obstacles. What works well?

Transport Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 10:35

Self-driving taxis cleared for London streets ‘later this summer’

Transport for London has begun awarding licences for self-driving taxis. Media reports indicate that autonomous vehicles, including Uber’s fleet, are expected to appear on London streets later this summer 2026. This marks one of the most significant steps towards autonomous transport in the British capital.

Health Ealing · 6 Aug 2026, 10:35

Mental-health football programme almost triples weekly sessions after Sport England funding Dział

The Football for Wellbeing Hub run by West London NHS Trust has secured Sport England funding and will almost triple its weekly sessions from four to eleven. An additional 30 minutes of employment support will also be offered after each football session. Launched in July 2024, the programme combines physical activity, peer support and social connection as a non-clinical approach to mental-health recovery and early intervention.

Transport Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:25

Cycle paths in Ealing and London – the government boasts, but what’s the real picture?

For several years London authorities and the government have regularly boasted about the expansion of cycle paths. We hear about the “record growth of the Cycleways network”, hundreds of kilometres of new routes, and more people switching to bikes. It sounds impressive.

Transport Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:25

“Lowered” ticket prices from the government – black and white, what’s really going on and who

The government keeps talking about “lower ticket prices”, “fare freezes” and “savings for millions”. It sounds like relief. Let’s look at the facts – no spin.

Money & Support Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:24

Where to shop cheapest in Ealing? A practical supermarket guide

In the borough itself and the nearest surroundings (Greenford, North Acton, West Ealing, Southall) there is good coverage by the discounters. Aldi and Lidl have several locations, and competition between them works in customers’ favour. Larger Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda stores are also within reach, often with a wider choice of brands and fresh produce.

Housing Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:24

Major milestone at Twyford Abbey – 296 new homes and a park for residents

Today Ealing Council announced an important step forward at the historic Twyford Abbey site in Acton. A topping-out ceremony marked the completion of the highest points of the new buildings. It is a concrete milestone in a project that combines new homes, the restoration of a listed building and the opening of the grounds to residents.

Community Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:23

Best barbers and men’s hairdressers in Ealing and surrounding areas – practical guide

Looking for a good haircut in Ealing, Acton, West Ealing, Greenford or Southall? There isn’t one single “best” for everyone, but there are places that consistently get strong reviews and that people keep returning to. Here’s a practical overview based on current ratings and local recommendations.

Community Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:22

Where to eat cheap and well in Ealing? Kebabs, Indian food and takeaways according to locals

Looking for something tasty, filling and reasonably priced in Ealing, Acton, Greenford or Southall? You don’t need to go into central London. In the western part of the borough there are plenty of places that locals praise for portion size, flavour and value for money.

Environment Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:22

Rubbish in Ealing – the real situation with waste disposal and fly-tipping

The topic of rubbish in Ealing comes up regularly – both in residents’ conversations and in official reports. The issue is not only about putting bins out on the right day, but especially about illegal dumping (fly-tipping) and the reliability of collections. Here’s the picture in 2026.

Health Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 19:21

GP surgeries in Ealing – how they work, what people complain about and which ones rate better

Getting to see a GP in Ealing is one of the most frequently discussed topics among residents. The system works, but access can be difficult and experiences vary significantly between practices. Here’s the current picture based on Healthwatch Ealing reports, patient satisfaction surveys and local feedback.

Transport Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 16:54

ULEZ and paid parking in Ealing – cameras, fines and residents’ protests

The issue of the ULEZ and paid parking in Ealing still stirs emotions, although the situation looks different from the first months after the zone was expanded. Here is the current picture in 2026. ULEZ – what is happening with the cameras The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers the whole of London, including the entire borough of Ealing.

Events Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 14:51

Best attractions for kids in London and nearby – practical 2026 guide

Summer and weekends with children in London do not have to mean boredom or an empty wallet. Below is a practical, detailed guide to attractions that really work – both in London itself and within easy reach of Ealing, Acton, Southall or Greenford. Approximate current prices (August 2026) and what you actually get for your money are included.

Community Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 14:42

How many cats and dogs really live in Ealing? The numbers that surprise

Imagine walking down a street in Acton, Southall, Greenford or Northolt and counting the animals. How many dogs pass you on leads? How many cats sit on windowsills?

Housing Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 14:35

House prices in the UK and Ealing – how much they rose since the pandemic and what it means for residents

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, house prices in the UK have become one of the most frequently discussed topics when people talk about the cost of living. Many residents, especially in London and the west of the capital, say it plainly: “It was expensive before the pandemic – now it’s simply out of reach.” We looked at the numbers.

Environment Ealing · 5 Aug 2026, 14:28

The 2026 drought – driest July in 190 years. Not an exception, just another cycle

July 2026 has entered the British weather records as one of the most extreme months for lack of rainfall. According to provisional Met Office data, England and Wales recorded their driest July since systematic measurements began in 1836 – almost 190 years ago.