Roads to be closed for festival

5:32pm Sunday 13th April 2008

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A NUMBER of road closures are being put in place around Southall tomorrow evening for the celebration of a Sikh holy day.

Monday is the day of Baisakhi, and the restrictions are being put in place to ensure celebrations pass off peacefully.

The restricted traffic zone will mean the area from Banside in the east and Dormer's Wells Lane in the west, and Park Road in the south and Carlyle Avenue in the north will be shut to through traffic.

Residents living in the area will be allowed to drive through, although officers will require a proof of address. Traffic moving north from Old Southall will also be permitted, although it will not be allowed to stop.

Acting Superintendent des Rock, who is in charge of policing the event, said: "We are fortunate on this borough, that generally speaking the community meets the religious and cultural celebrations that take place with tolerance and patience.

"However, it is very important that the communities of Southall are able to carry out their day-to-day activities without unacceptable behaviour and unreasonable disruption.

"The traffic restrictions being implemented on the day are a direct response to combat serious concerns expressed by residents and local community representatives who felt that religious celebrations were being overshadowed by anti-social, disruptive and dangerous behaviour."

The restrictions will operate from 5.30pm until the early hours of Tuesday morning.