This neighbourhood area sits in the borough of Ealing, and covers parts of East Acton, South Acton, and Acton Central. While there are no tube stops in this area, residents are serviced by multiple bus lines as well as the Acton Central overground station which is only a short ride from Euston Station. At the northern end of this area sits the Acton Cemetery, while Springfield Gardens can be found in the southern section. Walking through this neighbourhood, one will find a mix of Victorian villas, council towers, and cottage estates. In addition to predominantly white residential groups, the area is home to large Indian and Black Caribbean communities.

This area began as an oak farm back in the 12th century. It was once known for its Stone Age worship, but by the 19th century, the area had developed into a suburb settled mainly by goldsmiths. It was the goldsmiths’ work that helped ensure the building of Acton Central station that still stands today. By the early 20th century, the area around South Action had developed into overcrowded houses with slum-like conditions, which were transformed following WWII, when Ealing council cleared the slums and replaced them with council flats. Around this time, the area also came to be known as the suburb of production, being that it was London’s largest industrial area.

Late Actor, Alan Rickman, grew up in the neighbourhood area and was raised by his single mother on a council estate. An alum of local Derwentwater Primary School, he is well known for his portrayal of Snape in the Harry Potter films.

The famed composer, Lionel Bart, lived in Acton on Churchfield road. He is best known for creating the musical “Oliver!”

South Acton was once known as “Soapsuds Island” for its plethora of laundries in the area.

Multiple Monty Python sketches were filmed on Churchfield Road in this neighbourhood area.

In Anglo-Saxon, “Acton” translates to “Oak Farm.”

The estates in the southern part have a history of ongoing anti-social behaviour in addition to the deterioration of the buildings. Still, crime rates are slightly lower than London’s average. Additionally, local residents love the neighbourhood’s residential and diverse family-friendly feel. These residents have taken the initiative to form the Churchfield Community association to not only address issues, but also bring residents together.

While the Elizabeth Line may not directly service the neighbourhood, its addition to close-by Acton Main Line station is promising for new development and growth in the region. A joint venture, encouraged by Ealing council, between Countryside and L&Q has resulted in the development of a new complex called Acton Gardens. The development is a 52-acre largescale redevelopment of the former South Acton estate – an £800m investment creating nearly 3,500 new mixed-tenure homes. The development’s 9th phase of construction was recently approved and it already brings on offer one to three bedroom apartments to the area, as well as other non-residential services including a community centre, youth club, retail units and a dentist.