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Search forMosque hope divides Brentwood
Thursday, July 17, 2008, 09:32
The Gazette exclusively revealed plans by the Muslim community last week to purchase a commercial property for use as a permanent prayer and community centre at an unnamed location in Pilgrims Hatch.
But while opposition is mounting against the plans, others have come forward to offer support to the Al Furqan Foundation – a 200-strong congregation which has outgrown the Sea Cadet Centre in King Edward Road, Brentwood, which it currently rents for Friday prayers.
Residents bombarded the Gazette website with comments vowing to fight the proposals, but secretary of the Foundation, Brentwood-born Mohammad Edoo urged: “I think, or should I say hope, that the people of Brentwood are more intelligent than to make judgements based on the actions of a few radicals and sayings of people who claim to represent the whole Islamic faith.
“We welcome people who want to know more and our doors are not closed. Please don't brand us before you know us.”
He admitted he was saddened by some of the negative reaction but added: “ I know we have some very strong stereotypes to fight.”
But amid the negative response from the community, others have embraced the Foundation's plight and backed their plans.
Labour leader Mike Le-Surf, ward councillor for Brentwood South where Muslims currently meet, told the Gazette: “I know the Muslim community has been in discussion with the council for some time but they're not getting anywhere. I am happy to support and represent them within the council.
“I went down during Friday prayers and to be honest I wouldn't have even known they were there until I opened the door. It's not causing any problems for residents at all.”
A representative of the Hutton Community Centre also contacted the Gazette to offer their facility for use.
Liberal Democrat leader and ward councillor for Pilgrims Hatch, David Kendall said: “Surely it would make more sense to have a multi-faith centre – we haven't got a synagogue or Hindu temple but I'm sure there are people of both religions in the borough.
“We need to determine if there is a need for this centre and what impact it would have on residents.”
Fellow ward councillor Barry Aspinall added: “I can't see it would be of any benefit to the community so I would be against a mosque, but I'm not against them meeting for prayers anywhere else.”
Reader Asha, from Brentwood, said on the Gazette website: “I think we all need to learn about Islam more as all our views are based on the negative attitudes portrayed by the media. This is a good opportunity for us all to liaise with the Muslim community and find out more about the religion.”
But Ali Robertson from Hutton added: “We do not need a mosque, we need to keep this place traditional. England will be taken over it we let it.”
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