Sikh temple in Southsea closes its doors following new lockdown restrictions

RELIGIOUS leaders are looking to the future with hope after a Sikh temple closes its doors again due to lockdown restrictions.
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After opening on Sunday with social distancing measures in place, Southsea’s Guru Nanak Sar Gurdwara has had to close down due to the latest change to coronavirus restrictions.

The committee made the decision to close the temple in Margate Road, and has offered the space to Portsmouth City Council to use as a vaccination hub if needed.

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Jaswant Singh Digpal, secretary at the temple, said: ‘When we were in tier four we took the brave decision to open up last weekend and we had a good response.

Guru Nanak Sur Gurdwara in Margate Road, Southsea, is closed due to lockdown. Picture: Vernon Nash (150220-006)Guru Nanak Sur Gurdwara in Margate Road, Southsea, is closed due to lockdown. Picture: Vernon Nash (150220-006)
Guru Nanak Sur Gurdwara in Margate Road, Southsea, is closed due to lockdown. Picture: Vernon Nash (150220-006)

‘I think it was really brave of the 30 or 40 people who did turn up, the committee were very grateful for those people who made the effort.

‘There was so much joy among the community that we were open but this has put things back again.’

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Although the community is sad to have closed the temple for now, they are looking positively towards the future.

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Jaswant added: ‘It’s a focal point and we have got this fantastic camaraderie in the community. There are a lot of people whose lives revolve around the temple and community.

‘We can hopefully look forward to the middle of February and things can go back to normal a bit more. Hopefully with the vaccine things might get better.’

If somebody does need use of the temple during its period of closure, Jaswant can be contacted on 07850 291867.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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