Muslims in Walsall feel ‘targeted and treated with suspicion’

Walsall Council has put together a community cohesion and integration plan in order to ‘build a fairer society’.

But the report itself also shows the ‘majority of indigenous communities’ felt ‘ignored’ while analysis of social media around housing, immigration and employment showed ‘anger towards new communities across the borough’. The report will be discussed at a full council meeting on Monday, where council bosses will look at how to bring different groups in Walsall closer together.

The report also states minority communities who showed a willingness to mix had ‘anxiety regarding the welcome that might be received’, as well as claims Brexit had seen ‘a rise in anxiety in newly-arrived communities to Walsall that they are unwelcome in the UK’.

In relation to perception of Muslims in the borough, who according to the last cencus data made up 8.2 per cent of the community, the report read: “The council’s cohesion consultation indicated negative perceptions of Islam and Muslims existed across the borough.

“More work is required to tackle these impacts by creating greater opportunities to engage all communities and provide the opportunities for people to discuss their perceptions and concerns through open dialogue.

“The impact on some Muslim communities has been one of feeling targeted and treated with suspicion.

“These feelings are not conducive to encouraging integration and run the risk of more polarised living as individuals feel vulnerable to accusations.”

Council leaders say communities in the borough are ‘changing’ and a plan to tackle any integration issues needs to focus on ‘people’ rather than race or religion.

Councillor Sean Coughlan, leader of Walsall Council, said: “Our geography, people and history have shaped the place that Walsall Borough is today; Willenhall with its locks, Darlaston with its nuts and bolts, Walsall leather and many more industrial trades.

“This gave both benefits and opportunity for many, but also challenges. Now, there are newer challenges that need to be addressed, especially in the current economic and austerity climate we are facing.

“A strategy for cohesion and integration is complex and our policies need to be focused on meeting the needs of our changing communities and on developing policy led change.

“This is not about race or religion – this is about people and places.”

Councillor Ian Shires, portfolio holder for community, leisure and culture, said: “Listening to our communities is a real passion for me.

“Our communities are changing.

“They come from different backgrounds, different faiths and influences.

“We need to listen to what they have to say and learn from what we hear.

“The multi-cultural nature of our society is accelerating.

“This brings positive opportunities; but only if we accept our differences and work together will we achieve our goal of a better Walsall.”