British Far-Right against Mosque in Maidstone
Leader of the anti-immigration party, Paul Golding and deputy leader Jayda Fransen were in the town center asking residents to complain to Maidstone Borough Council after it approved proposals to redevelop the place of worship.
A group of around 10 protestors then gathered outside the mosque with banners.
Approved in December, the scheme will see the demolition of the Mote Road building and the creation of a modern, three-storey structure, featuring a complex of classrooms, a library, offices, kitchen, three shops and one flat.
A post on Britain First's website, under the heading 'No more mosques' explained it wanted people to complain to Maidstone council about the decision in a bid to get it reversed.
When the proposals were being considered last year, planners received 20 letters from local residents raising concerns including privacy, the effects of the new shops and the implications on parking in the area.
However the application also received more than 150 letters of support, with many stating the current facilities don’t meet the needs of the modern Muslim community.
Earlier this month, a protest about the expansion by far right group South East Alliance was branded pathetic by people who turned out from counter-movements.
Around 15 people attended waving South East Alliance banners and St George's flags, but were outnumbered three to one by members of anti-racism and anti-fascist groups expressing their support for the mosque.
Protestors from both sides were invited in for refreshments by Imam Dr Muhammad Usmani.
The mosque has been in Maidstone for more than 20 years.
Source: kentonline.co.uk
