Council approves access plan for Swindon Punjabi Centre despite traffic and safety concerns raised at meeting.
The community centre shares land with the Gurdwara. It sits between Cricklade Road and Cirencester Way. The current access is from Kembrey Street. The centre wanted visitors to use the delivery entrance. This entrance is on Cricklade Road.
It was only for deliveries before. It stopped meat and alcohol near the Gurdwara because those items are not allowed there. The centre said the gate between them closed, and they needed the Cricklade Road access open.
The plan changed after a delay last November. A steel gate would replace the wooden one. Parking spots would be kept and improved. Some spots would move for easier entrance. Nobody from the center spoke for the plan.
Councillor John Ballman spoke against the access. He is a councillor and on the committee. He said the side access was once deemed unsafe. That was back in 2004 due to traffic issues. Cricklade Road has become busier since then.
Chas Sunner opposed the plan for the temple. He said the gate between them is open, and it has been open since May of last year. He thinks the current access works fine. He said they should function as one place.
Andy Perry spoke for neighbors. He said visitors blocked resident parking, and this also caused more traffic congestion.
Councillor Gary Sumner thought it fit to pass the plan. Despite concerns, he saw no valid reason to refuse. The motion passed with eight votes in favor. Five voted against it.