Strange optimism

Does the chairman of the Dudley Muslim Association, Khurshid Ahmed, know something that we don't by claiming that building work on a mosque in Hall Street, Dudley, could start by next summer?Considering that last time this mosque was proposed more than 2,000 Dudley residents took the trouble to oppose it being built, I think he is being somewhat optimistic.

As for his assumption that the criticism of the project previously was solely about the size of the minaret and the use of public money for parts of the scheme, he is missing the point that Dudley doesn't need a huge mosque. Ê

Dudley Council's own website states: "The Black Country in general and Dudley borough in particular evolved from a diverse collection of individual towns and villages set within a distinctive natural landscape. Today this has resulted in a rich heritage of distinct and dynamic communities which have local identity, culture and character. Such local distinctiveness represents a notable asset in its own right which should be respected. The council recognises the need to safeguard the heritage of the borough and so protect and enhance its special qualities and settings".

Dudley Council has proposed a redevelopment of the town centre and the surrounding area with an emphasis on its medieval history; I fail see how a mosque can fit into this scheme.

In the last available official census, the Muslim population in Dudley was put at only 2.45 per cent, so why is a building of this size needed?

I would also like to know, when and if a new planning application is put before the council, if previous letters objecting to the mosque will be recognised or will new ones be required?

Perhaps J B Millar, the director of the urban environment for Dudley, could let us know.

J H Long, Woodsetton, Dudley.