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Mosque used as a rubbish dump

30/ 1/2008

BRAZEN fly-tippers are breaking through a barrier at a Wardleworth mosque in an extreme effort to dump their rubbish.

They have smashed their way through temporary gates three times to gain access to the car park at Bilal Mosque, South Street, Rochdale.

They then dump items ranging from compost to concrete boulders, leaving religious leaders to pick up the bill.

After the last attack, Councillor Ibrar Khan used part of his ward allowance for the clean-up operation.

But he is now calling for the public to come forward to help identify the troublemakers.

He said: "I think it is someone who is doing some renovation work.

"They arrive at about 7am in the morning with a truck but because the mosque is still being built, the residents don’t think anything of it.

"I think they must target the mosque because it is a little out of the way. It is very disrespectful."

So far the attacks have cost the mosque hundreds of pounds, particularly due to the damage caused to the temporary fencing which blocks the entrance.

"It is such a nuisance," added Cllr Khan. "Every time it happens it delays the work being carried out on the mosque.

"The clean-up took at least half a day. We want to send out a message that this cannot be tolerated.

"If anyone does know who’s behind it, they need to come forward."

He urged anyone with information to ring him on 07779 426946 or the council’s environmental management team on 0845 2261800.

A Rochdale Council spokesman said: "Fly-tipping is against the law, it’s unsightly and it costs the taxpayer a lot of money to clear it up."

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