A NEW police “drop-in” facility has been opened at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Warrington – Cheshire’s only Sikh temple.
It was officially opened by Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer at the invitation of President H. Grewal during celebrations for the Hindu festival of Diwali.
It consists of a special, locked box where people can drop-in their telephone number so that police can contact them.
The initiative was the idea of PCSO Steve Parr who has been visiting the temple for some years as part of his beat patrols and who holds regular surgeries with the community.
He said: “I wanted to provide community members who might not speak English as their first language or who might wish to interact with the police in confidence, the opportunity to contact me privately.
“A special locked box has been provided for people to drop-in their telephone number so that I can contact them confidentially. I think this initiative will be positive as I work alongside Constable Herminder Hira who speaks Punjabi and can cross the language barrier and is able to connect more easily with the females in the congregation.”
Mr Dwyer said: “I am pleased to open this facility which provides a crucial link between the Sikh Community and the police.
“It is important to me that all people have access to police services and I welcome the initiative undertaken by two local officers. I especially enjoyed the privilege of entering the inner temple and offering flowers as part of the ceremony. There is an amazing atmosphere of peace and community cohesion in the temple and they made me feel very welcome.”
Warrington South MP David Mowatt was also present.
He said: “Diwali is an important festival and I always enjoy celebrating it in Warrington with the local Sikh community. It was also great to welcome our Police Commissioner to the event this year.”
Pictured (left to right) David Mowatt, John Dwyer, President H. Grewal, PCSO Steve Parr and Detective Chief Inspector Giles Orton
