Leeds Hindu temple 'open for all' thanks to improvement work » Communities » 24dash.com

Leeds’ only Hindu temple is open for all users, thanks to support worth thousands of pounds to improve its facilities.

The temple and community centre in Alexandra Road, Burley Lodge, can now accommodate its growing number of disabled users after regeneration specialists Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) installed improved accessible facilities at no cost.

Leeds City Council has also provided some support by installing improved lighting in the car park, funded by the Group Repair project.

FHM carried out the work after being told of the grave need for improvements in the centre when Stephen Pearson, Leeds City Council’s Senior Group Repair Officer, and Gail Fairbank FHM’s Resident Liaison Officer visited earlier this year. The company is working in the area improving around 200 homes in partnership with Leeds City Council and saw this move as a chance to support the local community.

The work ends a long running campaign by the Temple’s Management Committee to raise the £5,000 they say was needed to fit the much-needed disabled toilets and washrooms.

This move now means the facilities are more accessible to all elderly and disabled residents who use the centre for lunch clubs, community events and religious gatherings. To show their gratitude, FHM staff were recently invited to a ‘thank you’ event at the centre with committee members and Leeds councillors.

Temple Chairman Niranjan Vakharia said: “This makes a real difference to older and disabled community members, many of whom have used the centre for some years. A few have even used it since it opened in the 1960s.

“As people moved into this area, and have seen their children grow up and live in other parts of the country, this temple has remained important to them. Having facilities that all our members can use is a big bonus for us.

“Myself and the Management Committee are really grateful to FHM for all their help – they have made a huge difference.”

In carrying out the improvement FHM worked with local firms Dale Stephensons, who supplied the toilet facilities, Scott Anson, who carried out the decorating, and Steve Woodman, who supplied and fitted the flooring.

Community Liaison Officer Gail Fairbank said: “So many people use this facility and it’s great that we have been able to help in this way.

“We’ve been working in this part of Leeds for some time now, improving people’s homes, and we have got to know some of the tenants and residents really well.

“It’s extremely rewarding to see how satisfied they are with the completed work.”