A CONSULTATION has been launched into a new Islamic educational centre in Accrington.

On the Raza Jamai Masjid Mosque Facebook page, they have posted that they are looking to have a 'brand new facility at the junction of Barlow Street and Lower Antley Street.

It added: "The new building will provide Islamic education to the future generations."

County Cllr Munsif Dad, who represents the area, said: “It is an exciting development following on from the current Madrassah building in a smaller context.

“It is in the early stages of planning and no application has been submitted yet.

"The mosque community have put forward proposals after consultation with members and the community.

“It will be for the children currently attend the old mosque.

“As well the new drawings will fit in with the area.

“It is very important that this is a consultation process which members of the community and the mosque community are deciding on.

“This new building will house young people as an out-of-school facility.

"It will be an extension and be an up to date building which can be used.

"The building in the pictures are the sort of thing that they may be wanting and also what they may be put through planning as long as they have got the money and backing of the community.”

Cllr Dad believes the new facility will compliment the £8.6m mosque and community centre which opened its doors in December last year.

He said: “The Raza Jamia Masjid Mosque facility shows what can be achieved and the proposal will benefit the community.”

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward, said: “It is a great addition to the new mosque complex.

“I hope it’s open to the wider community as the mosque has been and it can continue to bring people together.

"If the designs goes through planning and is agreed it is the complete regeneration of the nearby area with new housing.

"The only building that has not been renovated is the old mosque building."

In December, around 1,700 worshippers from across East Lancashire attended the mosque when it opened and the religious building, was funded by donations from residents and businesses, has been hailed a ‘dream come true’ for members and the elders of Hyndburn.

The Lancashire Telegraph contacted the trustees for the Raza Jamai Masjid Mosque but they were unable to comment at the time of going to press.

n What do you think of the news? Send an email to robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk.