Islamic centre makes plea ahead of open day
An Islamic centre which has been at the centre of vile on-line hate is asking the culprits to attend its open day this Saturday – to see for themselves what it hopes to achieve.
Plans by the Gambian Islamic Centre to convert a former solicitors’ office into a mosque on Bearwood Road, Smethwick, have sparked fears over congestion and parking problems from residents living near the busy street.
The open invitation comes despite anti-Muslim xenophobes taking to local Facebook pages to suggest desecrating the proposed place of worship and other offensive messages.
The posts have since been taken down by Facebook administrators.
The application is the second time the Islamic centre has asked permission to convert the building, after a similar plan was withdrawn last year.
Mr Baba Njie, a committee member for the centre, said he wanted to invite local people to the centre so they could see its plans and address their fears.
“Our culture and our religion, Islam, teaches us to love and respect our neighbours.
“Whoever has a negative view of us, we can only teach them by holding an open day and we will welcome anyone to come and we would welcome people who make such comments to come.
“Perhaps, by the end of the day, we will change their minds.”
He added the new plans submitted to the council included parking spaces for 18 cars and that reports the mosque could accommodate 250 worshippers at Friday prayers were unfounded.
Mr Njie explained: “During the week, there would be only be up to 15 people in the building each day. On Friday, I would expect some 70 to 80 people will attend prayers and many will travel buy public transport or walk.”
The centre will be open between 12pm and 5pm.
