Rumours of Tamworth Mosque Plans Force Council Clarification
A senior councillor in Tamworth has been forced to publicly confirm that there are no active plans to build a mosque in the Staffordshire town, while simultaneously condemning a wave of 'racially motivated' comments that have surfaced online. The statement comes in response to persistent rumours and an online petition that gathered significant traction.
Petition and Redevelopment Plans
The speculation centred on the former police station on Spinning School Lane, a site that closed in 2019. Unfounded claims suggested the building was destined to become Tamworth's first mosque. However, Council Leader Carol Dean confirmed that the site was recently purchased by Tamworth Borough Council solely for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Gungate area.
Proposals for the site are extensive and do not include a place of worship. The planned redevelopment includes:
- Housing and retirement living
- A new leisure centre
- Workspace and medical services
- Evening leisure venues and multi-storey car parking
Despite the official plans being publicly available, an online petition opposing the non-existent mosque proposal attracted more than 900 signatures.
Current Muslim Community Presence
Councillor Nova Arkney, Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure and Local Economy, provided clarity on the current situation for Tamworth's Muslim community. The Tamworth masjid group has been leasing the Park Farm Community Centre since 2015, using it as a place for prayer.
Councillor Arkney emphasised that the centre is a vibrant, multi-purpose space. "It isn't formally registered as a mosque but it is the only place in Tamworth where muslims come together and pray," she said. "The same building also serves as a true community space. They host a weekly bingo club there, food banks and fun days for community integration that are open to everyone."
Racism and Intolerance Condemned
The councillor revealed that the group's recent online fundraising efforts for a more permanent venue triggered a disturbing response. This led to a surge of offensive and 'racially motivated' online comments.
While confirming that the organisation has approached the council about purchasing the community centre they currently occupy, Arkney was clear that no planning applications for a mosque exist anywhere in Tamworth.
She expressed deep concern, stating, "What troubles me most is not the rumours themselves but the racism and intolerance that have surfaced alongside them." Sharing her personal experiences, Councillor Arkney added, "People often say Tamworth is not racist but I have personally experienced racism in Tamworth. As a brown child growing up here I was told to take a bath and called a brownie... I have lived in Tamworth almost my whole life... but I am sometimes made to feel like I don't fully belong. That is the same thing I see happening here to the community leaders."
