Smethwick Sikh leaders grateful to police

Jun 9 2009 by Chris Henwood, Birmingham Mail

POLICE officers have won praise from Sikh leaders for rebuilding community links in the aftermath of violence at Vaisakhi celebrations in April, 2007.

Committee members from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Smethwick High Street, surprised Insp Jamie Pearson and Sgt Simon Hensley with commemorative plates to thank them for their support over the years and wish them well as they prepare to move on to new roles.

The officers have been working closely with the temple committee following a violent disorder at the Vaisakhi celebrations in.

Following the 2007 incident, that resulted in a man being seriously injured, the Sikh community came under severe scrutiny by the media, and relationships among the local community became strained.

Committee president ­Tarsem Singh Shoker said: “We are very grateful for the work the officers have carried out for our community and we look forward to working with their successors and West Midlands Police. We wanted to formally recognise the hard work Insp Pearson and Sgt Hensley have put in over the years to show our appreciation.”

Insp Pearson said: “The Gurdwara and committee have worked hard to rebuild the reputation of its community and embraced our support and assistance, making our job a lot easier.”

with thanks : source : http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2009/06/09/smethwick-sikh-leaders-grateful-to-police-97319-23822274/

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