SWINDON'S Sikh community celebrated the topping of their new temple just weeks after racist thugs attacked the building.

Windows were smashed and an internal wall demolished at the partially-built temple in Kembrey Street, Gorse Hill. The attack was thought to be a misguided reprisal for the terrorist attacks in New York.

However, the vandalism failed to deter their efforts to give Swindon its first purpose-built Sikh temple.

Dr Harbans Singh Popli, a prominent member of the Sikh community, said: "What happened a few weeks ago was an instant reaction. I think once we move in, all the misunderstandings and ignorance will disappear. I hope people will realise that we are a peace loving community and we respect all religions.

"This temple will serve the whole of Wiltshire. We are delighted that we now have a temple in Swindon because before we had to travel to Reading or Bristol."

The building of the £1.2 million temple is the culmination of 20 years of campaigning and fundraising by hundreds of Sikh families in Swindon.

Another member of the Sikh community, Sohansingh, said: "It is something we have been waiting for for a long time and I want to thank the council and all who supported us."

Surjit Singh Hassanpuri led the prayers for God's blessing as the dome was lifted from the ground by a crane.

Once the dome had been lowered in place, holy food was served and people were shown around the building.

Herpal Nanbra said she was delighted to see the dome in place: "It's beautiful and when everything is finished it will be absolutely wonderful."

The project architect Patrick Wilson said: "We had a lot of consultation with the community to make sure we created what they wanted.

"To now see it almost completed is absolutely wonderful and when the stained glass window is in place, that will be the culmination."

Police officers from the community and race relations department were invited and Sergeant Racheal Bagnall said she really enjoyed the topping.

"This is fantastic for us as it gives us the opportunity to let people know who we are. We also had enquiries from people who wanted information about joining the police."

The ceremony was also attended by Reverend Tony Attwood, the ecumenical social responsibility adviser for Swindon.

The work is being carried out by builder Crampton Leighfield and the temple should be completed by January.

The vandalism at the temple, or Gurdwara, came in the same week as an attack on a 19-year-old Swindon Muslim woman. She was struck by two men armed with a baseball bat.