News / Society
Far right mobilise support against mosque
Far right groups are believed to be behind a large number of objections against plans to extend a mosque in Easton.
Jamia Mosque on St Mark’s Road has submitted an application for an extension to the ground and first floor of the former church hall.
The mosque is now full to capacity, with some people being turned away during prayer times and events and at other times worshipers having to pray outside.
A two-storey extension is being proposed at the front of the building to create greater space to accommodate the growing numbers, making use of a courtyard which at the moment is the site of a marquee to protect worshipers unable to pray inside.
Objections to the plans on the city council website have come from across the UK including as far away as Blackpool, Chester and Grimsby.
“If this is approved people like me will be excluded from the area as a result of the wailing/noise pollution throughout daylight hours,” writes Tony Ward from Portsmouth.
“This is out of character with the local area and will cause chaos,” writes Simon Linford from Preston, a town 150 miles from Bristol.
But Sophy Cox of Church Street does live nearby and also objects to the plans, saying that she is often unable to park near to her house during events and Friday prayers at the mosque, and that “the traffic situation is already at an unacceptable level”.
Businessman Abdul Malik, chairman of the Jamia Mosque and Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Bristol East in the General Election, says that he understands that genuine issues may have been raised by residents in Church Street with regards to traffic.
He said: “However, these situations are created due to the very vibrant St Mark’s Road and the business activity also. It would not be fair to say that the traffic situation in the surrounding area is created by the mosque.
“In fact most users of this mosque are from the local area and choose to walk, as there are extra rewards and blessings for those that walk to the congregation on Friday.
“I feel it is due to this activity and the nature of St Mark’s Road that the house prices in the area are an abnormally high compared to other local streets in Easton.
“St Mark’s Road, the church, the mosque, Sweet Mart, the Thali and indeed all the other very successful businesses make this road very special; the mosque with its proposed extension will further compliment these credentials.”
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