ROAD closures are to be put in place this week to try to stop massive congestion during an important Muslim festival.

Ealing Police will close roads in Southall town centre in a bid to stop trouble, with thousands of people expected to descend on the area to visit friends and family as a celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The festival marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, and is one of the most significant in the Muslim calendar, although the exact date is decided by the sighting of the moon on the previous night, it is expected to take place between next Wednesday, October 1, and Friday, October 3.

Chief Inspector Perry Gwillim, who is responsible for operation, said: “Local community representatives are fully supportive of our policing strategy to combat unacceptable behaviour, which will allow the celebrations to take place without incident.

“There are sometimes a few people who use these events to behave in an anti-social manner, such as driving dangerously or behaving in a disorderly way.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and we believe our visible police presence will deter and, if necessary, allow us to deal with offenders swiftly.

"We aim to maintain the free flow of traffic, which will mean that only emergency vehicles, public transport and residents will have access to the restricted zone.”

The roads which will be closed off stretch from Carlyle Avenue in the north to The Straight to the south, Bankside to the West and Dormer’s Wells Lane to the East, incorporating the Broadway, High Street and South Road.

People living inside the zone will be able to travel in and out, but are urged to carry some form of proof of address to show police on the cordons.