Let’s not be drawn into campaign of hatred

Dear Editor

Having spoken with some residents who live close to the site of the proposed mosque on Jeanfield Road in Perth, we are aware that there are genuine concerns over the additional footfall, car parking and size/scale of the proposed development.

The Scottish Defence League claim that they have been “contacted by local residents” to help them protest against the building of a mosque yet there appears to be no truth to this claim and, as Perth residents, we are outraged that the SDL appear to be speaking in our name.

A public information meeting was organised for Wednesday evening at the Best Western Queens Hotel on Leonard Street which was attended by local people, ward councillors, clergy, organisations and members of the Muslim community.

This came in advance of a peaceful demonstration of love, hope and unity in the city centre on Sunday.

By establishing the facts we hope that people within Perth and beyond can understand what the real concerns are, rather than be drawn into a hate campaign by the SDL against the Muslim community here in Perth. Spokesperson Perth Against Racism

Editor’s note: Perth and Kinross Council has approved a change of use application in relation to an existing building being deemed a place of worship.

Any future application to construct a mosque would be judged on its planning merits separately.