A HISTORIC landmark could be turned into a Hindu temple.

Dhirajlal and Sushila Karia, who run Tendring's only Hindu temple from their house in Coan Avenue, Clacton, are hoping to buy a building for the planned temple and community centre.

They are looking at Martello Tower F in Marine Parade, Clacton, which is on sale for £99,950.

No sale has ben made yet

Mrs Karia said: “It is a lovely, lovely building. It is something we are really seriously thinking about.”

A group set to push the project forward have already begin fundraising for a building purchase.

They have also applied to start a company, called Hindu Cultural and Heritage Centre Ltd, and will shortly apply for charity status.

Mrs Karia said they wanted to expand into a dedicated building as it would be better for the community.

The couple's open door policy also means that they see a constant flow of visitors from around the world, which can be exhausting, especially after the temple was highlighted in articles in the Gazette last year.

Mrs Karia said: “Our doorbell did not stop ringing.

“It was people from everywhere – Africa, Canada, just everywhere.

“We thought we would start a community centre so that everybody can come from all over the world.

“We would really love to keep it in Tendring.

“We have not got much for ethnic minorities. We want to start something to help everybody.

“It is definitely exciting.”

But Mrs Karia admitted she will be to see the temple move out of their spare bedroom.

She said: “This temple is my life – we will definitely miss it.”

Rosalie Robinson and her partner Roger Ling, who are selling the Martello tower, said they were aware of the Hindu group's interest.

She said: “We have had people interested in turning into a bar or a private members' club, all sorts.

“It is a landmark of Clacton.

“It is a historic building, possibly the only Martello tower left in the country with its draw-down bridge and moat still intact.

“My partner is very ill and that is the reason we had to sell the restaurant. We had started to build up quite a bit of business.

“We put our heart and soul into restoring it, and all our own money. We are probably going to lose a lot of it.

“Myself and my partner absolutely love the building and it is heartbreaking to give it up, but it is something we have to do.

“It would be nice to have someone who will love it as much as we have.”

Any one interested in purchasing the Martello tower can contact Rosalie Robinson on 01255 432932.

Their estate agent, Bradleys Countrywide, can be reached on 01702 551334.