A guru has been told to clear out of a town centre because it is claimed he is attracting drunks, beggars and even pigeons by handing out free food.

Guru Gulshan Singh, 63, provides the service every Saturday in Station Road, Hayes.

Now Botwell ward councillors Janet Gardner and Mo Khursheed say residents are afraid of the type of people this is bringing into the area.

Mr Singh, who is also the founder of Kali Matha temple in Botwell Common Road, Hayes, has been giving free food and clothes to people for the last six years.

Hillingdon Council says he must stop by April 11, but Mr Singh has a petition signed by 250 people objecting to the decision.

Ms Gardner said: "A lot of complaints have been received from residents over the years about this. The work he's doing is great, but it is attracting the wrong sort of people.

"Some people have said there are beggars and drunks waiting on a Friday night for Guru Singh to give them food on the Saturday morning."

She added there are more appropriate places for Mr Singh to carry out his charitable work.

Mr Khursheed said: "He is bringing drunks and undesirables here. They eat what they want and then they just throw the rest on the road, attracting pigeons."

Mr Singh responded: "They think I give the town a bad impression, but actually I sustain life on the streets.

"And what do they mean by the undesirables?

"Who are they to say who is undesirable?"

He explained that many of the people who come to him are elderly or single mothers. He said: "I will move from here because nobody wants to be somewhere they are not wanted.

"But it's just sad that they are stopping me from helping people."

IS GURU SINGH'S SERVICE A BENEFIT OR A MENACE ?

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