Families' fear of religious friction ends centre hope

An application to turn an old plastic moulding factory in Unit C, Golden Crescent, Hayes, into an Islamic culture and education community centre was turned down by the council's planning committee last Thursday.

Residents in nearby roads are concerned tensions would be high with the Ramgarhia Sikh Association in the same road.

The building has already been used for Somali Muslims to meet for several months.

Residents produced a 50-signature petition opposing the centre, claiming it could cause 'uneasy feelings and frictions' with the Sikh Gurdwara.

In the planning report, the petitioners said: "It does not matter what the creed and colour is of the organisation.

"Having two organisations of such magnitude, of different cultures and next to each other, that they will function without problems to themselves and the residents is beyond thinking.

"This road is very narrow and small. Having another religious establishment will create more congestion, uneasy feelings and frictions.

"Local residents are very worried about it."

There is also a Hindu organisation which meets at the Navnat building, in nearby Printing House Lane, regularly.

Councillor Mo Khursheed (Lab, Botwell) said: "If there's a need for it there's a need for it.

"I hope all religious institutions will live in harmony and peace with each other. All these religions should work with each other.

"The Islamic centre have never approached the ward councillors for guidance and help but we are more than happy to assist them on the way forward.

"The organisation have got the option of appealing."

The application, for a community centre with classrooms, a computer room, library, kitchen, office and men's and women's prayer rooms, was refused at the central and south planning committee meeting at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.

Ramgarhia Sikh Association president, Surinder Singh Jas, said: "I would not like to comment on anything like this because we have a similar system here. Nobody from here has signed any petition."

He said the association had been open for 12 years.

There is already an Islamic Education and Cultural Society, in Pump Lane, Hayes, and another

Islamic group meet every Friday at the Uxbridge College, Hayes Community Campus, in Coldharbour Lane.

Amir Ahmed, Hillingdon Muslim Council founder, said he hoped the borough will one day have a community centre where all religions can gather and share.

He said: "The one thing Hillingdon is lacking is a centre where all communities can come together and share their events.

"Any group that wants to open a religious centre and celebrate their faith is supported by me."