Leader tells of plans for mosque

A £1.2million refurbishment to create a new mosque in Shropshire will take the building back its former glory of 1953 and will be the only mosque in the county for women to pray in.

Leader of Shropshire Islamic Foundation Saleh Laher said the ex-Territorial Army centre in Wellington would be redesigned so the 1953 fascia would be seen again and the "beautiful" courtyard with wooden beams would be the central prayer room.

Mr Laher said there were now about 5,000 Muslims in Shropshire from all around the world compared to just 50 families who lived in Telford when he moved here 20 years ago.

He said Muslim occasions, including weddings and funerals, often attracted more than 800 people and often left people praying outside the current Central Mosque at Tan Bank.

The future of the Tan Bank mosque will not be decided until planning permission is won.

Mr Laher said the foundation, a charity launched 18 months ago, was determined to raise the cash themselves after losing out on Lottery funding.

The foundation members, which includes Muslims from Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and Eastern Europe, have already raised £300,000 to buy the historic building on King Street.

But he said the building at the heart of the town would welcome people from all faiths to use the community facilities.

Mr Laher said: "We are restoring it back to the 1953 facade. It has become weathered over the years but we will bring it back to its former glory.

"We estimate the restoration will cost £1.2million for the whole project to be completed.

"It will offer a North African courtyard-type mosque. It could be a very beautiful building."

The revamp would also see woman have their own prayer room and convenience facilities, making it the first mosque in Shropshire to offer women the same facilities as men.

Mr Laher said he did not think parking would be an issue as 70 per cent of the users would live within walking distance.

By Kirsty Marston