DAR AL HARB - U.K.: ANOTHER MOSQUE GETS A GREEN LIGHT

Brand new mosque gets the green light

A MOSQUE and Islamic cultural centre is set to become a reality in Camden.

The scheme, which would be based on the Regent's Park Mosque, was given support by Camden Council at a meeting last night (Wednesday).

Council leader Keith Moffitt said: "A purpose-built Islamic cultural centre and mosque would not only address the need for more suitable Muslim prayer facilities, it would also provide an important space for community services."

And Abul Rahman, chairman of the Bengali Workers Association, described the future mosque as "an historic opportunity for the Muslim communities in Camden." The eight mosques that currently operate in the borough are not purpose-built and are oversubscribed. There is also no assigned Muslim community building in the borough.

Muslims are often forced to travel to Westminster and Islington for prayers despite making up 11 per cent of the borough's population.

Money for the project will be raised by Camden's Muslim community, who also hope Camden Council will help search for a suitable plot. And with the backing of Camden's Faith Communities' Partnership - a group containing representatives of all the major religions - and the council they are working on a bid to use government land at the back of the British Library.

Earlier this year talks were held over renting a site on the King's Cross Railway Lands which are due to see a £2billion redevelopment - but the site has now been ruled out because of a lack of space.Islamic cleric Joynal Uddin criticised the decision and urged Camden Council to help bring the plan to fruition.

He said: "This has been an ongoing project for the last three years and a problem for the Muslim community in Camden for the last 20. It needs to happen as quickly as possible.

"They are developing acres of land at King's Cross but we are not getting anything which is a massive shame because we thought they would be able to provide that."

"It is good news we have cross-party support at Camden and we need that support to get the land behind the British Library. We don't want anything for free and we don't want anyone to build a mosque for us we need help to get the site then we will fundraise and pay the rent."



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