Somali Centre Saved

A Community Centre threatened with closure has been given a new lifeline thanks to the efforts of the local Somali community and local Councillors Ibrar Hussain and Steve Jones. As reported in the last issue of the Messenger, the Somali Islamic Cultural Centre had had their ‘change of use’ planning application refused due to insufficient parking.

In a recent meeting with Les Sturch, Head Of Planning, involving Cllr Hussain, Cllr Jones and members of the Centre’s Committee, agreement was reached that the Centre would resubmit an amended planning application to the North West Planning Board which would restrict its opening hours to between 4.00am and 11.00pm and to ensure that it addressed the issue of parking. In response the Council agreed to withdraw an enforcement order against the Centre. The meeting also agreed to test the new arrangements for a year.

Ismael Yussuf welcomed the decision as the centre was a focal point for the local Somali community and there is a great deal of support for the work it does. Ismael also thanked the support that the Centre had received from local Councillors, BCAF, Police, local Churches and local residents.

Tasting The Fruits Of Success: Cllr Ibrar Hussain welcomes the new arrangements as they address local concerns while also catering for the needs of the Somali community.

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