Thurnby Lodge Islamic centre plans out to consultation

Protests have been held several times at Thurnby Lodge in Leicester

Plans to turn a former Leicester scout hut in to an Islamic centre have been put out to consultation.

Islamic charity the As-Salaam Trust want take over the hut at Thurnby Lodge but have faced sustained opposition.

Some campaigners want the disused property to be developed for use by the wider community.

Now the city council wants residents to make a decision on the future of the hut and the nearby Raven Centre. A final decision is due in January.

A number of protests have taken place at the site and a 1,500-strong petition opposing the move was handed to the council.

Final conclusion

The authority has now proposed buying the hut's lease and allowing either a Thurnby Lodge resident's group or As-Salaam to run it.

The Raven Centre would then be used by the other group.

City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "I have personally met with local residents and with As-Salaam on several occasions in a bid to resolve this situation.

"I believe we now have options on the table that would meet everyone's needs and enable us to return to a situation of collaboration and harmony in the area."

He added: "No decision has been made and we will be seeking the views of everyone who lives in the area before reaching a final conclusion."

The consultation will run until 21 December.