Joint statement from Dudley Council and Dudley Muslim Association
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Following a meeting between Dudley Council and leading members of Dudley’s Muslim community, the council and the Dudley Muslim Association have today (Tues) issued a joint statement to re-emphasise their commitment to pursuing plans to develop a mosque at a location other than Hall Street.
Both parties stressed that the current negotiations around a new site had been taking place for well over 12 months (as reported to the council’s cabinet in February 2009) and that the recent activities of the English Defence League had absolutely no influence on their decisions.
Councillor Les Jones, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said:
“The issue with Hall Street has always been about what the most suitable form of development would be as part of our wider plans for Dudley town centre and I am now pleased that we have been able to identify an alternative option which will form the basis of more detailed discussion in the coming weeks. This will be focussed around the existing mosque, and the council will work closely with the DMA throughout the planning process.”
Councillor Anne Millward, leader of the council, added:
“It is the Hall Street location that has caused concern for local people and indeed there have been no issues around any of the existing mosques that have been in Dudley for many years. I’m sure that local people will not respond to outside organisations who certainly do not have the future of Dudley or its community at heart.”
Khurshid Ahmed, chairman of the Dudley Muslim Association, said:
“The Dudley Muslim Association is happy to explore alternative locations. It is now important the DMA and the council continue to work closely together to ensure the new proposal is deliverable and that Dudley does not become a focus for extremism in any form.
“The Muslim community have always regarded themselves as an integral part of Dudley’s wider community and will always work with the council and other stakeholders to secure peace, progress and prosperity for all the citizens of Dudley.”
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