UK: Pub to be converted to mosque

For some reason this story is making world headlines.

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A PUB in Aylesbury is to be converted into an 'Islamic cultural centre' and Mosque.

The Skinny Dog (formerly The Greyhound) in Churchill Avenue, which has been closed for several months, has been bought for #600,000 by the Toheed Ul Islam Association, a registered charity.


One of the five trustees, who did not wish to be named, told The Bucks Herald that the centre would be primarily aimed at the Muslim youngsters of the Southcourt, Walton Court and Prebendal Farm estates as a place where they can undertake the religious education they currently receive at the Havelock Street Mosque, which is over-crowded.


He said that the current pub building, which was damaged in an arson attack in August, would remain, and be converted into the centre. "It's not a problem (that it was a pub). All the pub stuff like the taps will be removed. It will be cleaned and repainted. It does not make a difference as long as no alcohol is still there when we use it."


Aylesbury district and county councillor, Raj Khan, welcomed the new centre, which, subject to planning permission, should be open before summer next year.


"It's about getting a place for the people in the south of the town," he said.


Source: The Bucks Herald (English)