WE would encourage the Sikh community to look forward and engage all its efforts towards finding a new place for worship rather than hold a sense of grievance against Oxford City Council.

The council has this week ruled the Sikhs must stop worshipping at a home in Cherwell Drive and demolish an illegally constructed annexe.

It would be natural for some to feel a sense of anger at the decision and to question the reasons behind it.

But that would be counter-productive. Ultimately they have been through the planning procedures and a planning inspector and councillors have all ruled it is not the correct place to have a temple and is contrary to the interests of the wider community.

Ignoring that ruling by continuing to hold prayers in Cherwell Drive has forced the situation whereby the council has had to draw a line in the sand.

The Sikh community now needs to build bridges with the council and other agencies to hopefully find a location that suits its needs and the rest of the city.

It may take time, but hopefully in the future they will be able to look back at this decision as a necessary, painful one that led to a more secure future.