THE men behind a controversial mosque plan have launched their own radio show to give residents the chance to speak out over local issues.

Farouk Hussain and Sheraz Arshad were the driving force behind the Clitheroe mosque scheme, which finally resulted in plans for an inter-faith community centre being approved by Ribble Valley Council in December.

The go-ahead marked the end of a 30-year search by Clitheroe's 300-strong Muslim community for a place of worship but it was an issue that divided opinion among residents in the town.

Now the pair hope their weekly slot on the internet-based Ribble Valley Radio will allow local people the chance to ring, email or visit the show if they have any questions or concerns.

The new centre, on the corner of Lowergate and Highfield Road, will incorporate a mosque.

Run from Saint Mary's Centre, Church Street, Clitheroe, the "Have Your Say" show can be heard every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm on www.ribblevalleyradio.org.uk Both men are leading figures in the Medina Islamic Education Centre, based in Holden Street, and they are encouraging people to contact the show that was launched four weeks ago.

Farouk Hussain, chairman of the Medina Islamic Education Centre, said the show represented their commitment to be as open as possible about their plans for the former Methodist church.

He said: "The radio show allows people to ring about the mosque and anything they feel concerned about.

."We want to work with the community rather than in isolation."

The show will also provide a forum for people to discuss any other issues that concern them.

Farouk also revealed that work on the former Methodist church that will form the site for Clitheroe's first mosque is starting to get under way.

He added: "We haven't actually done anything to the building yet but we are actively fundraising.