Residents in Wokingham have reacted to the news that a mosque or an Islamic community centre for the local Muslim community could be built in town.
The Wokingham Islamic Centre originated a petition which called on Wokingham Borough Council to support the principle of establishing a new mosque in town.
The petition received several hundred signatures prior to being withdrawn and said: “We call on the relevant authorities in Wokingham to support and approve the establishment of either a mosque or an Islamic community centre for the local Muslim community.
”Wokingham’s Muslim population has grown steadily in recent years to more than 10,000, yet there is currently no dedicated mosque or Islamic centre for daily prayers, community activities, youth development, education, and interfaith engagement.
“This has resulted in families travelling to other towns or hiring local venues to practice their faith and access essential community services.
“A mosque in Wokingham would provide a safe place of worship for local residents, support youth and educational programs, facilitate interfaith understanding and community cohesion, and promote wellbeing, charity initiatives, and positive social impact.”
Wokingham Islamic Centre then wrote: “Great news – the council has now contacted us, and we will start discussions to explore the options available.”
“We will now withdraw the petition. as we have achieved the objective we were aiming for.”
The news has prompted a range of responses on social media, with some residents expressing support and others voicing concerns.
One resident responded to negative comments and said: “The rich are getting richer, and they’re using their media outlets to play you like fiddles.
“Muslims general give more, will open their homes to you, and in my experience, are happy for you to visit their Mosque to see it for what it actually is.
“They are decent people, who love their communities.
“If you think they’re not integrating, why not reach out? I’m sure that will be more positive than shouting about the media instigated negatives you see 10million times a day.
“Come on. Be better people! You want your England back? Well, do something more than parroting racist bullsh*t on Facebook.”
Another commenter also highlighted the negative responses to the news and added: “Wow. These comments! What an intolerant, small minded set of responses. I love Wokingham but getting fed up of the rise of bigotry.”
Another resident commented: “I’m glad Muslims will have a designated space now. Woosehill community centre doesn’t have the space to accommodate. Far better to have purpose built accommodation to worship from.
Another added: “Sounds like an excellent plan – reflects needs of a diverse society.”
One more resident said: “This is great news. Based on the comments on this post already Wokingham sorely needs to be more welcoming.”
Meanwhile, there were also plenty of negative responses to the idea.
One resident said: “I don’t understand why you would move to the area if it is important to be near a mosque, plus Reading is not exactly far. Also cannot think of why the council needs to be involved in supporting this, they don’t get involved in any other religious buildings or property, or anything much at all to support residents in their interests or lifestyle choices. Quite off.”
Another added: “With drastic improvements being needed to schools, roads, GP surgeries, hospitals and other existing services, I don’t think this is a priority.”
