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Some progress being made over mosque
• I AM pleased to say that at last some progress is being made on the question of providing an adequate and purpose-built mosque in Camden.
Large numbers of Muslims have expressed their support for the campaign which I have launched to attain this objective.
Although it is thought that almost a sixth of the borough’s population are Muslims, there are at present no mosques in the borough adequate for Islamic studies or Muslim funeral ceremonies.
Such mosques as we do have are in converted premises and in some cases too small for the numbers of devout Muslims they attract and prayer meetings spill out onto pavements which is not convenient either for us, or for residents and passers-by.
I am glad to say that the Lib Dem-led administration of Camden Council is now considering giving the local Muslim communities political and practical support in their search for a site for a purpose-built mosque and Islamic studies and cultural centre.
Of course it is not part of the local authority’s remit to provide places of worship for any religion or denomination and the mosque will have to be funded entirely from voluntary contributions.
It will be much easier to raise money, though, if it is known that a viable site is available.
I welcome the fact the leadership of the Lib Dem group is firmly of the view that it is right to offer support for the cultural and educational development of some of the borough’s neediest communities.
I believe this helpful and progressive attitude will prove a far more valuable contribution to social cohesion and integration than all Labour’s hot air and anti-terrorism laws.
CLLR FARUQUE ANSAIR
(Lib Dem)
Kentish Town Ward
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