Centre to become mosque

Muslims from across Shropshire will have a new place to pray, after million pound plans to transform a former Territorial Army centre in Wellington into a mosque were approved.Telford & Wrekin Council's plans board gave permission for the King Street centre scheme.

The £1.2 million refurbishment will take the building back its former glory of 1953 and will be the only mosque in the county where women can pray.

The plans also include a flat for the imam, two shops for religious goods and community rooms, and converting part of the building into a mortuary to facilitate the traditional preparation of bodies for an Islamic burial.

Councillor Gary Davies, member for College ward, said: "This is something that we have been working on with the Islamic Foundation for two years.

"I realised and made it quite clear at plans board yesterday that parking could be a problem, but, after conversations with the foundation and with residents, I'm confident the foundation will address this."

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

Saleh Laher, foundation leader, said the centre would be redesigned so the 1953 fascia would be seen and the "beautiful" courtyard with wooden beams would be the central prayer room.