Meet Southall's Town team

“ I have lived in Southall for over 60 years and feel a deep sense of belonging to the area. Whenever I commute into London, getting off at Southall station reminds me that this is where my heart is – it is where I grew up, married and raised my family. I have been a civil servant for 43 years, working as a Senior Project Manager leading major government construction projects. I also mentor and coach new recruits, which I thoroughly enjoy. I joined the Southall Town Team because I want to give back to the community, embrace its changing demographics and help celebrate and strengthen the culture, diversity and opportunities that make Southall special.”

---

Anita Soba

Resident

“I’ve had links in Southall for the last 19 years and am passionate about safety, cleanliness and community connection. As a teacher, my interests include youth engagement, volunteering and collaborative projects. I joined Southall Town Team to organise clean ups, environmental initiatives, charity events and wellbeing activities that build pride, responsibility and a stronger sense of community.”

---

Arwa Omar

Resident

“I have lived in Southall for 48 years and my interests are in charity work. I am Hon. General Secretary of Sikh Missionary Society uk , a registered charity teaching youngsters music and the Panjabi language. I wanted to join the town team to improve our community and find better solutions about the issues which are affecting us.”

---

Avtar Singh Buttar

Resident and Hon. General Secretary of Sikh Missionary Society UK

“I work with Let's Go Southall where I work  with many organisations and community groups for the physical and mental wellbeing of residents in the community e.g Southall Community Alliance, Peabody, Canal River Trust, TGQ Parkside and we help and support the community. My passion is to encourage residents to contribute in getting more involved in community engagement projects by taking action. This could be volunteering or paid projects but ultimately with the goal of making Southall a more safe, more cleaner, more pleasant place to be living.”

---

Baljit Kaur

Let's Go Southall & Active Community Teams

“I have lived mainly in Southall since birth - a wonderfully diverse town with lots to offer. I feel that over the last decade there is less direction and connection between the various communities living here. We need to come together to help Southall be a happier place through dialogue, appropriate and constructive planning that helps all our communities.”

---

Basharat Kaifi

Resident and a representative of a local business Parkside Osteopathy Clinic

“I have lived in Southall since 2021. In my spare time I enjoy metalwork, rockhounding and DIY. I joined the Southall Town Team to help shape what Southall becomes. The town has a lot going for it and is changing fast. I want that change to restore residents' pride in Southall and make it a place that works for everyone who lives and works here.”

---

Daniel S Cortese

Resident

Guneet Singh Malik

Resident

“I am a strong believer of  bringing communities together with common and shared values, to create a Southall that is vibrant, diverse and a better place for all residents.”

---

Idris Aden Ali

Resident

Councillor Isabel Owen

Local councillor

“I believe real change happens through collaboration, and I want to work with others to ensure Southall is heard, valued and improved through inclusive action and long-term community-led solutions.  I am  engaged in a range of community networks and partnerships that reflect the diverse needs and voices of Southall residents. I joined  Southall Town Team to ensure that the voices of the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled and the migrant residents are included in decisions. After over 20 years of grassroots work, I am certain that Southall has a strong community spirit and great potential. I have seen both the resilience of local people and the lack of investment and recognition.”

---

Issack Olow

Volunteer Manager at HADEA (Horn of Africa Disability and Elderly Association)

“I have lived in old Southall since August 1979, and worked at Quaker Oats at Bridge Road from 1984 till 2016. I have been a Trustee of a charity association based in Southall called British Keralites Association for a long time. For the past 3 years as a Trustee of Southall Community Alliance and currently also a Treasurer. The reason why I joined this town team is to help make Southall great again.”

---

James Jerald

Resident and member of British Keralites Association

“I have led Southall Community Alliance (SCA) for many years, an organisation that is the key infrastructure group working in and for Southall, working with numerous organisations on quality of life issues. By joining Southall Town Team I hope the focus on environmental improvement, will improve the streetscape of Southall, as this will build community confidence amongst residents. They will feel they are being heard and this will reassure people, particularly young people, that Southall is a safe and welcoming town. I am keen to promote 'Destination Southall', which is the best of Southall ,and encouraging people to visit the town and to re-build pride in this area. I am motivated by knowing that this change can only be achieved by working in partnership and by seeking to make a difference in Southall, even if the first steps are small ones.”

---

Janpal Basran

Resident and Manager of Southall Community Alliance,

“I have been a resident of Norwood Green for over 30 years and, since 2022, have been a local councillor representing the residents of the ward. I have also run my own business for over 30 years and participated in numerous initiatives and campaigns, including leading the Pitshanger Lane GB High St bid, winning Best High Street in London 2015-16. I sit as Vice-Chair of Ealing Safer Neighbourhood Board, am trustee of a charity running a community managed library in Ealing and chaired the former Ealing High Streets Task Force for its five year tenure from 2020-2025.  I fully understand the basis of community engagement and love to bring people together, working collaboratively to deal with issues, find solutions, make improvements and champion good causes. I aim to bring this knowledge and experience to the Town Team and assist the process for the betterment of the whole of Southall.”

---

Councillor John Martin

Local councillor and resident of Norwood Green

“I attended Villiers High School and Southall College. This year, I returned to Southall after a very long time. While Southall has changed over the intervening years, it remains the same welcoming place I remember. I love Southall; it is a unique area, full of history and character. Like many others, I applied to be a team member to help clean up the neighbourhood. Beyond that, however, I want Southall’s uniqueness to be acknowledged and celebrated by both residents and visitors. Many people are unaware of Southall’s history and how grassroots organisations that fundamentally shaped and changed laws began right here. I would love for current residents to learn about this history. It would foster a sense of pride, which in turn would boost community spirit.”

---

Kaneez Ahmad

Resident

“Southall has always been home to me. Born and raised here, I attended local schools and still live in the town today. As a local councillor for Southall West, I’m proud to represent the community I grew up in. Outside of work, I enjoy running, pilates and reading. I joined Southall Town Team to help deliver meaningful projects, strengthen our community and make Southall an even better place to live, work and thrive.”

---

Councillor Kim Nagpal

Local councillor

“I have lived in Norwood Green, Southall, for over 30 years. I am a civil servant and previously worked as a Customs Officer, protecting our borders. I am an active disabled trade union campaigner for better public services. I am a stroke survivor, so I was involved in the local Trades Council campaign to stop Ealing Hospital A&E being downgraded to an Urgent Care Centre. I want to work collaboratively with all residents, faith groups, local charities, the police and the council to make Southall a cleaner, greener and more welcoming area for everyone. ”

---

Mark Benjamin

Resident of Norwood Green

“I have lived in Southall for over 25 years and cares deeply about this community. Through my involvement in local clubs and activities, I have seen both the strengths of this area and the growing challenges we have faced. I am part of Southall Team to help make the neighbourhood cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone. I believe that working together with other local residents, organisations, and the council, will hopefully  contribute practical ideas and positive action that can make a real difference to the place everyone locally calls home.”

---

Mathan Kumar

Resident

“I have lived, worked and run a business in Southall for over 25 years. A retired high street solicitor, I am connected to local businesses and communities. My interests include wellbeing, cleaner streets and green spaces. I joined Southall Town Team to champion residents, tackle inequality and deliver community-led improvements.”

---

Minni Dogra

Resident

“I am an active member of my local community from being a local resident to being a trustee at Apna Youth and also Co Event directing the local parkrun. Motivated to make a difference to the area in which I live and for the people who live there. I want to do whatever I can to support the local community and make Southall a thriving place to live.”

---

Monica Jaswal

Resident and APNA YOUTH and Southall parkrun

“I am passionate about helping Southall's community thrive through collaboration, creativity, and support initiatives that make Southall a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant place for residents and businesses alike. Working with others who care deeply about this town inspires me. I believe that working together with likeminded people can create positive, lasting change that benefits everyone in the community.”

---

Philomena Noel

Asian Community Concern

“I’m Praveen Anand, a British Asian born and raised in the London Borough of Ealing, with deep ties to Southall. I studied at Southall Community College and have many friends and family in the area. Since childhood, I have watched Southall grow and change, and I have always felt part of its community. Today, I am proud to represent Lady Margaret Ward as a councillor, serving residents and giving back to the community that has been such an important part of my life.”

---

Councillor Praveen Anand

Local councillor

Rajinder Kaur Dhamu

“I  joined Southall Town Team to represent families of children and young people with SEND, including young carers who support their SEND siblings or parents. Through HSENA, I have worked with seldom heard families to improve inclusion, mental health awareness, and wellbeing. I have seen how clean, safe, and inclusive spaces can strengthen families and build community pride. I am passionate about working collaboratively with residents, faith groups, the police, and the council to make Southall a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming area for everyone.”

---

Rakiya Dahir

Founder and Early Years/SEND Lead at HSENA;

“I have lived in Southall for many years and enjoy community engagement, culture and connecting people. As Director of Creative and Connected Communities CIC, I work with residents, volunteers, schools, health partners and groups. I joined Southall Town Team to strengthen voices and help make Southall healthier, inclusive and thriving.”

---

Rozeena Vander Waal

Resident and Director of Creative and Connected Communities CIC

“I am a dedicated and highly respected Councillor, proudly serving Ealing with integrity and commitment. Known for my approachable nature, I work closely with residents to improve safety, strengthen partnerships, and deliver real results. As a Magistrate, I bring valuable insight into the justice system while remaining connected to local communities. I am fluent in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Russian, and engage effectively across Ealing’s diverse population. First elected in 2006 and Deputy Mayor in 2012, I have a a proven record of leadership and continues working to build a safer, stronger, and more united borough. I was elected councillor for Southall Broadway Ward in May 2026 and since then remain committed to making it a safer and cleaner ward. ”

---

Councillor Shahbaz Ahmed

Local councillor

Shamicka Denis

“I has lived in Norwood green for over 60 years on and off. My family and I returned to the area 10 years ago to care for my father and we liked the place so much we decided to stay! I am the chairman of the Norwood Green Residents Association and a keen promoter of community involvement. The NGRA hold a number of events during the year including Bhangra barn dance, Christmas market and village day walkabout. All of the events are to promote local businesses and encourage local residents to meet and get to know their neighbours. I run my own company and have a busy apprenticeship scheme which is something dear to me, and I am also a mentor at Brentside school.”

---

Steve Searle

Norwood Green resident and chair of Norwood Green Residents Association

I have lived in Southall since 1979, I love living here.

 

I run Voice of Women group, we bring the elderly community together to celebrate different cultures and celebrations, we offer fitness classes and we encourage the ladies to share their talents. We also encourage our group to take trips to help them be more connected with each other through new experiences.

I have been a host on a local radio station for the last 14 years, a talk show, where I interview local people and celebrate Punjabi culture. In previous years I have hosted a month of dance activities in Parliament to help people become more educated on Punjabi dance and music.

I became a member of Southall Town Team, as I care about future generations of people living in Southall and I care about having a Southall which everyone can be proud of.

Surinder Kenth

Local resident and lead organiser for Voice of Women

Tanveer Saeed

“I am Community Researcher, and passionate about supporting Southall’s growth through inclusion, collaboration, and evidence-based action. I joined Southall Town Team to contribute insights from local voices, identify community needs, and help design solutions that reflect the town's diversity.  I am motivated to strengthen community connections, promote wellbeing, and create opportunities for residents to thrive. I believe working with others locally will allow me to share knowledge, build trust, and ensure that every resident feels represented and valued in shaping Southall’s future.”

---

Wasi Ma

Community researcher

“I have been in Southall nearly all of my life, I know the community well, having worked within the community for a very long time.  I would like to see the community be more cohesive, and I am well acquainted with local leaders and the community. I am committed to working for the community ”

---

Father Wilson Masih

Chair of the Churches together for Southall