WATCHING the first piece of ground being dug where a Sikh temple will stand in less than a year's time is a lifetime achievement, said a leading member of the community.

Dr Harbans Popli is one of the many members of the Sikh community who have been instrumental in bringing a Sikh temple, a Gurdwara, to Swindon.

He was joined yesterday by leader of Swindon council Sue Bates, mayor Arthur Archer and North Swindon MP Michael Wills at the official ground-breaking ceremony on the site where the Gurdwara will be built, on Kembrey Street, Gorse Hill.

"The first ray of hope dawned on us in 1994, when the council approved to give the land to the Sikh community to build the Gurdwara," said Dr Popli.

"Our hopes have faded and risen like a yoyo but we did not give up. We were and are committed to the success of this venture. Every single member of the community has contributed in one way or another towards the fulfilment of this dream.

"We are proud to say that this will be the first and only purpose-built Gurdwara in the whole of Wiltshire. It will be a landmark of beauty and elegance on the architectural map of Swindon."

Many members of the Sikh community packed the site where the Gurdwara will stand to witness the breaking of the ground.

The current Gurdwara, in Old Town, provides an important place for the 300 Sikh families who use it, but as the site has only two parking spaces, it has always been seen as an inadequate site for the temple.

It is hoped that the new £1.2million Gurdwara, which has been funded entirely by the Sikh community, will be completed within the next 12 months.

North Swindon MP Michael Wills said: "This is a great day. It has been a long journey but I am delighted that at last the ground has been broken.

"I think this is going to be a valuable addition to the community."

Coun Sue Bates said: "There has been opposition to this project in the past but we are pleased