MK is renowned for being a diverse, multi cultural city and home to the practising of many religions. That’s something everyone loves about MK.  But although MK & surrounding area  is home to over 15,000 Hindus, there’s only one Hindu temple for this community.  Hindu temples are much more than just for worship.  They are a community centre running a range of charitable activities for everyone regardless of creed or religion.  They provide a place to learn new skills and get involved in a new culture, to socialise if you are elderly or feeling isolated, and they supply free food to vulnerable groups and visitors.   A new temple would be a welcome addition to MK.

The recent planning application for a temple and community centre for the Hindu Shirdi Sai community in the heart of Tattenhoe, next to an already busy sports and community facility, was rejected due to concerns that parking and traffic problems in and around the site would badly impact the lives of local residents. This could not be successfully accommodated in a busy housing estate.

Residents have always supported the need for a temple and now want to help the Hindu community to find a more suitable site.  The location needs to cater for large numbers of visitors, including hosting Hindu festivals and weddings serving a wide area around MK.

A central location, perhaps in a repurposed building, well connected with transport links and plenty of parking spaces would make more sense. Or perhaps a new site in a new development area, although this would probably take too long to come to fruition.

Please support us in calling on MK Council and MPs Iain Stewart and Ben Everitt to do whatever is necessary to find a new site.  Manish Verma is heading up this initiative on behalf of the MK community. Please  show your support by signing this petition which we will present the to the Council and our MPs.