Theresa May responds to Hindu community centre petition

Theresa May has responded to a petition launched by residents of Lincoln Road in Maidenhead protesting against proposals to create a Hindu community centre on the street.

Concerns were raised about potential parking problems and a lack of consultation after the Hindu Society of Maidenhead (HSM) nominated the council-owned site of the former Agnes Hayward Nursery to be listed as an 'asset of community value' under the Government's new 'right to bid' legislation.

If successful, the society hopes to get permission to convert the site into a centre for about 150 members.

A petition against the proposals, signed by more than 50 people, was sent to Mrs May earlier this month.

In a letter addressed to lead petitioner, Barry Clarke, the Maidenhead MP said she supported the Hindu Society in their desire for a permanent base but added she had contacted the Royal Borough's head of planning and development, Simon Hurrell, to ask him to look into the residents' concerns.

A decision on whether the nomination meets the relevant criteria is scheduled to be made by Monday.