Open day over controversial Dudley mosque plan

People are invited to the event at Dudley Central Mosque, in Birmingham Street, off Castle Hill, between 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday.

Organisers say they want people to come and ask questions about the work of the mosque and also about the plans for the new site in Hall Street.

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Margaret Aston and The Bishop of Dudley Graham Usher will be among those attending the event.

Mosque chairman Mohammed Aurangzeb said the event has been organised in the wake of the English Defence League protest earlier this month.

"We want to use this open day to thank everyone who stood in solidarity in the recent events," he said.

"More importantly it's about giving local people the opportunity to ask any questions.

"Volunteers will be at hand to make everyone feel welcome and to show you around the mosque.

"The event is intended to reach out, promote harmonious relations and encourage deeper cultural and religious understanding and above all, to provide the opportunity for more people to get to know one another over tea and biscuits and to alleviate any misunderstandings."

The family event will feature free literature on Islam, a tour of the mosque and food.

People had been invited to attend the mosque on the day of the protests on February 7 which included a counter anti-fascism rally.

Police were hosting a meeting tonight in the town with traders and members of the community to discuss any issues raised in light of the protests.

A court hearing over the plans for the new mosque is awaiting a new date.

Dudley Muslim Association and Dudley Council were due at the Court of Appeal for a two-day hearing last week but the hearing was adjourned.