Camberley Mosque

I have lived in Deepcut since 2003. My wife has lived in Frimley Green all her life. Just about everyone I speak to says that the controversy surrounding Camberley Mosque is the most contentious issue to have hit this area in a long time perhaps with the exception of the Deepcut Soldier Deaths. In seven years I cant remember anything that comes close.

No other topic under discussion on the community email distribution list has evoked such a large response.

There were some very articulate and erudite emails sent to the list on this topic but the one that struck the biggest cord was by a Deepcut resident which I have reproduced here:

“Hi all,

I have followed the various threads on this issue for some time now and I am staggered at how the debate has shifted to one where the people opposing the development are being forced to justify their position.  I have a couple of observations to make.

First, the building in question is a LISTED building.  The purpose of this status is to protect it from this type of action, otherwise why is it listed!  Clearly awarding the building listed status should remove the need for any discussion on whether it can be redeveloped in any way.

Second, regarding the issue of integration and the desire of the Muslim community to integrate in Camberley.  I personally do not consider wanting to demolish an important local historic LISTED building which is clearly against the majority of local opinion as trying to integrate.  Integration involves consideration of the EXISTING community wishes and desires.  The proposed evelopment does nothing to bring the community together as it would simply be a symbol of Muslim culture and not a community as a whole.  I spent 27 years in Coventry and have seen the Foleshill area of Coventry completely transferred into a Muslim community.  There are several Mosques and VERY little integration.  The muslim community is very insular in Coventry and other cities in the midlands, e.g. Leicester, Birningham, Wolverhampton.

Third and onwards, I agree with the other issues relating to the adverse impact on traffic, local business and the residential community.

I recognise that people following this belief system will want their own place of worship and their own identity, but so do the people of Camberley who are NOT Muslims.  It is for this reason that I would urge the proposers to consider alternative sites that DO NOT cause conflict and tension.  A more considerate approach to site selection would help integration far more than the current proposal.

If the Muslim community is serious about integration then a little more consideration would assist that process greatly.

Regards”