Mineshaft discovery halts work on £1.4m Darlaston temple
Work on a £1.4 million temple in Darlaston was delayed when a mineshaft was discovered at the site.
The Shiri Guru Ravidass Temple is being built, in Pinfold Street, as a replacement for its demolished predecessor that became too cramped for worshippers.
The steel frame has at last been fitted and the brick walls are finally being laid.
Bosses from the Shiri Guru Ravidass Cultural Association of Darlaston say despite difficulties the building will be the talk of the town when it is completed.
Founder trustee and president of the Association Ram K Mehmi said: "We found a coal mineshaft which needed to be treated and capped and this could not be done without discussions with the coal board as there were some technical problems which have now been thankfully resolved.
"We are getting financial help from other Ravidass temples across the UK which are donating money to help offset the costs.
"The temple building is being progressed with all the steelwork now installed and we have started bricking up the walls.
"The brick work has been completed up to window level.
"We are a now due to get the scaffolding erected."
Up to 500 people will be able to use the temple, which is being built by followers of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
"The development of this Great Shiri Guru Ravidass Temple has been is now moving forward smoothly. This will be a very good project and when it is completed it will improve the atmosphere and environment of Darlaston town. It will not only be the talk of the town but worldwide," Mr Mehmi said.
The new temple is being built to create more space for community activities.
Fundraising events have been held throughout in recent years including a charity show, and members have raised more £250,000.
The leaders had hoped to have it completed by 2013, but issues with the shaft has resulted in delays.
The temple will form the centrepiece of a multi-million pound revamp of Pinfold Street which has also seen an NHS complex built alongside new flats.
The temple boasts a congregation of around 40 who have been meeting at the town's All Saints' Church, in Walsall Road, while the construction work is carried out.
