Leaders' plan on mosque

A former Territorial Army centre in Telford could be transformed into a new mosque to cater for hundreds of Muslims, it was revealed today.

Muslim leaders from the Telford Central Mosque, Tan Bank, Wellington, want to open the former TA centre in King Street as a new mosque.

A planning application has now been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council seeking permission for the conversion.

The plans also include a flat for the imam, two shops for religious goods to be sold and community rooms.

The Shropshire Islamic Foundation, currently based at Tan Bank, hope the new mosque will cater for occasions attracting more than 800 people.

Councillor Gary Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council member for College ward and deputy mayor, said: "The Shropshire Islamic Foundation have owned the TA centre for the last 18 months to two years.

"I welcome this planning application and feel it would be good for our Muslim friends within Telford.

"The plans they have put in are indeed ambitious and there is no doubt it will be good for the town and for cultural, social cohesion."

Councillor Davies said the King Street site could cause parking problems during busy periods such as the Friday morning prayer time, but said members of the mosque would be warned about the double yellow line restrictions.

"I have pointed the car parking problems out to the foundation and they are also aware of it, but discussions are already taking place with others regarding this problem," he said.

"While I am supporting this application, I do not want to see the road full of cars at the Friday prayer time.

"This is a far bigger building than the Tank Bank mosque," he said. "We have had problems in the past with Muslim funerals because there can be between 700 to 800 people.

"Unfortunately, up to now, the funeral services have taken place on playing fields and open spaces to cater for all the people."

Mr Davies said discussions had also taken place with leaders from Regent Street Mosque. A decision from the council is expected by mid-August.

By Kirsty Marston