On 17th March 2015, there was a protest held attended by many at the Houses of Parliament. The unexpected closure of the Upton Community Centre, which was the heart and soul of the Indian community of Newham was protested. It was told that after the community centre being active for over three decades, the centre was closed on 19th December 2014 by the Council as landlords of the building, without any prior notice or consultation. The users of this community centre were not officially informed until 22nd January 2015.
A reason cited for the closure for the Upton Community Centre was for the dysfunctional heating system for the past ten years, which the Council had many opportunities to rectified; however, they chose to closed down the centre instead. Many protestors believed that the Council was at fault as they were made aware of this issue for more than a decade, yet no help was given.
To date, the Upton Community Association has submitted a petition with over 2100 signatures from Users / Members of public, a Traders’ Petition backed by over 131 businesses and User Groups Petition signed by representatives of 28 groups covering over 9000 members against this closure to the London Borough of Newham.
Simultaneously, many young and old Hindu community members protested at Old Palace Yard, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The Hindu shrine at the community centre has been locked up with the locks changed. Lord Dolar Popat came to the protests and greeted the demonstration and listened to their concerns.
