A PETITION supporting the development of an Islamic centre in Darwen is to go before the borough council’s planning committee this evening.

It has been signed by 395 people who are in support of the transformation of the former Railway pub into an Islamic education centre.

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The scheme has so far generated strong opposition and more than 2,400 people have signed an online petition urging councillors to reject the application.

Concerns were expressed about the centre attracting traffic and its location in the centre of the town.

The applicants behind the proposals for former pub, The Railway, said it was needed because of a growing demand.

The new petition reads: “I am a member of the general public and I have no objections to the application to change the Railway pub to an Islamic centre.

“I support and strongly believe it will be highly beneficial for the young Muslim public to gain the opportunity to attend Islamic teachings locally as well as all other Muslim members to attend the daily prayers.”

It has been recommended that the Blackburn with Darwen Council planning and highways committee notes the petition.

The applicants said the plans would give the ‘dilapidated’ building a new life.

Darwen currently has one Islamic place of worship.