A CAMPAIGN to fundraise for a town’s first major Islamic school has been launched.

Residents in the Spring Hill area of Accrington have been approached by fundraisers for the Iqra Education and Sports Facility project.

A website urging donations for the project said Islamic sholars at Accrington-based Iqra Learning hope to open a £10million school and sports facility in the Exchange Street area.

The website proclaims: “An 8,000 Muslim Population - zero Islamic Schools. Our vision is to build the first Islamic school.”

Residents in the area have also been given leaflets outlining the six acre project across from Spring Hill Primary School.

Spring Hill Primary School said it was not yet aware of the project’s details but confirmed they were to meet with Iqra next week.

Iqra, which is run by the Safa Trust, already teach Arabic and Islamic studies at Spring Hill Community Centre.

Mufti Ahmed from the trust said: “Our plan is to build an Islamic ethos educational and sports facility which is open to all.

“This is an exciting project which is too early to discuss in detail at present. Everything depends on the needs and demands of the community after extensive consultation.

“Whatever is on our website, advertised as 'make this dream a reality', at present are some of the ideas put forward by the local community.

" We will work positively with the local community to ensure that this will provide excellent opportunities for everyone.”

Hyndburn Council said it had not been approached for pre-plannning advice about any potential school.

Iqra hope to gather enough support to open a nursery, a madrasa religious school, a primary and secondary school plus a college and adult learning.

The group also wants to offer community services such as a Shariah Council, public events and celebrations.

One resident who contacted the Lancashire Telegraph said: “My kids go to learn about Islam after school, but I am not keen on this.

"If you send your kids to just one type of school from nursery through college then how will they learn to integrate?

“I am worried about the effect it will have on the community.”

Another local parent said: “I was amazed at the scale of this plan. I’d like to see more sports facilities in the area, though.”

The Department for Education said no formal proposals were in place for a free school application in the area at this time.