SWINDON Hindus looking for a new temple after their old one was the subject of many thefts have faced racist slurs from some on Facebook after news of new temple plans was revealed. 

Plans were submitted to turn the abandoned Co-op on Wroughton High Street into a new temple. Initial concerns over parking and traffic were addressed and the move was welcomed by the village's community.

But while many Swindon residents reacted positively to the announcement on the Swindon Community Notice Board - which has a 44,000-strong membership -some individuals responded with abuse.

Swindon Advertiser: The currently closed former Hindu Temple siteThe currently closed former Hindu Temple site

A post from those who run the page read: "The admin team are very saddened to read some pretty disgusting comments from members tonight. Racists will NOT be tolerated in this group. 

"Please don’t bombard admin trying to argue your case, this is a unanimous vote and pms with further abuse will NOT be tolerated either!

"Thank you so much to the majority of lovely members of SCNB and we are sorry the minority try to disrupt this harmony.

"It’s very sad that these minority of miserable or racist members feel that their behaviour here is ok. It is NOT!" 

Hindu temple and cultural centre chairman Pradeep Bhardwaj chose to focus on the positive reaction and has spoke of his excitement at the prospect of moving in to the new building after being given an initial two-year lease by the council. 

"This will be a historic moment for Wroughton. It is so heart-warming to see such a vast majority of local residents supporting us overwhelmingly and looking forward to welcome the Hindu Temple.

"It would not only meet a very urgent/pressing need of the Hindu community in the town, at the same time, it would also benefit the entire area, the local parish & local authority in so many ways.

"It would meet the social, cultural and religious needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and bring cultural upliftment, improved health and wellbeing as well as significantly strengthen the multicultural fabric of the local community and enhance the various diversity aspects of the town and village.

"We look forward to resume all the good work that we have done in the town in the last six years through our religious, social, community, cultural, health and wellbeing and charitable activities."

Swindon Advertiser: Sunny Patel and Pradeep Bhardwaj at the former Swindon Hindu Temple altarSunny Patel and Pradeep Bhardwaj at the former Swindon Hindu Temple altar

The Hindu community's previous temple on Cheney Manor Industrial Estate had been targeted by a string of five break-ins, leaving it unsafe.

This led to Swindon Borough Council ending the lease in October

If planning permission is granted, this will mark the end of the search for a new home, with the Wroughton site joining the council's old town centre offices in Regent House which is also set for use by the religious group.

Pradeep was also keen to address concerns over parking and congestion in the village - which some locals thought might occur if the temple takes up residence there. 

He said: "With the limited daily opening times and the small size of the daily congregation, we have estimated that compared to a retail provision like before, it will significantly reduce the overall traffic flow, congestion and improve the overall parking provision for the local residents/visitors as they can use the private parking for free for most part of the day and overnight. 

"We are a local charity, serving the needs of local people.

"All our activities are free and open to everyone and we always work very closely with the local residents to make sure that we contribute to the local village.

"Like the entire community and the village, we are also so excited and can’t wait to get started!"