London, Feb 26: A 40-year-old Hindu temple and community hub in Peterborough, England, serving over 13,000 Hindus across three counties, is on the brink of shutdown after the local council greenlit the sale of its New England Complex building.
Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir, established in 1986, has fought the decision, slamming it as a secretive betrayal of community-built heritage. The Labour-led Peterborough City Council insists it must maximize taxpayer value amid debts, rejecting the temple’s £1.3 million buyout offer and opting for an open-market auction.
Hindu Council UK accuses the council of ignoring prior promises to transfer ownership, while a Change.org petition with 16,000 signatures urges PM Keir Starmer to step in, warning of a “devastating void” in spiritual life. The council clarifies tenants stay put post-sale, with leases intact, and vows talks with affected groups.
