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LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM, June 18, 2004: Merseyside’s only Hindu temple faces demolition as part of a proposed US$11 million road project, the Daily Post revealed. The temple, which is attended by 450 families, could be razed to make way for a widened Edge Lane in Kensington. City planners hope to create a widened expressway which will allow better access to Liverpool city centre from the east in time for Capital of Culture year 2008. The planned widening near the Holt Road area would also include the purchase and demolition of 250 homes. The controversial plans by Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC) will be unveiled to residents on Monday as part of a two-day public consultation. The first demolitions would start in two years time if the scheme receives planning approval. The Hindu temple, which is run by the Hindu Cultural Organization, has been on its present site since 1978. Temple manager Kiran Khaneja said she was “shocked” by the news. She added: “All we have been told is that there are a series of meetings planned but nothing has been mentioned about this.” “I am shocked really. We have families travelling to us from as far as Chester. At the moment this location is not big enough for our needs but what will the alternative be?” Liverpool council leader Mike Storey said he hoped a settlement could be made with the temple managers. “While we have turned away from wholesale demolition, there are occasionally things that are upsetting. We will have to make sure we work things out for the Hindu temple,” he said.

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