'No active plans for mosque in Tamworth' says councillor as she calls out 'racially motivated' comments

This comes as an online petition has attracted more than 900 signatures opposing a rumoured place of worship in the town centre.

In recent weeks it has been alleged that the former police station on Spinning School Lane, which closed in 2019, is set to become the first mosque in the town. The site was recently purchased by Tamworth Borough Council.

Council Leader, Carol Dean, confirmed that the site has been purchased to facilitate the redevelopment of Gungate. Plans for the site include housing, retirement living, a leisure centre, workspace, medical services, evening leisure and multi-storey car parking.

The Tamworth masjid group currently lease the Park Farm Community Centre and have done since 2015. During that time there have been no concerns raised about the facility.

Councillor Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure and local economy, said: “The Park Farm Community Centre is currently leased and used by the Tamworth masjid group. It isn’t formally registered as a mosque but it is the only place in Tamworth where Muslims come together and pray.

“The same building also serves as a true community space. They host a weekly bingo club there, food banks and fun days for community integration that are open to everyone.”

After the group posted online recently about raising funds for a more permanent space in Tamworth to use, councillor Arkney said there had been a backlash of ‘racially motivated’ and unpleasant comments online. However, it was confirmed that the group has approached the council about buying the community centre.

Councillor Arkney continued: “The group have approached the council about buying that community centre but no planning applications for any mosque anywhere in Tamworth at the present time. What troubles me most is not the rumours themselves but the racism and intolerance that have surfaced alongside them.

“People often say Tamworth is not racist but I have personally experienced racism in Tamworth. As a brown child growing up here I was told to take a bath and called a brownie, I have been complimented on my excellent English and of course asked frequently where I am really from.

“I have lived in Tamworth almost my whole life, my parents grew up here too. I love this town and I am proud to serve it as a councillor but I am not white and that is what I mean, I am sometimes made to feel like I don’t fully belong. That is the same thing I see happening here to the community leaders in Belgrave”