Mosque row pensioner is ‘accused of Islamophobia’

A PENSIONER claims his Asian councillor branded him ‘Islamophobic’ after he objected to plans for a mosque near his home.

Maurice Rushby, 67, claims he raised ‘legitimate concerns’ about the 20,000 sq ft, £2million building on greenbelt land.

Conservative councillor and exmayor Dylan Butt is being investigated by Trafford Council over claims he failed to comply with its code of conduct, it is understood.

The row centres on plans by the Altrincham and Hale Muslim Association for a two-storey base in Timperley, Greater Manchester.

They say there is a ‘compelling and urgent need’ for the facility.

But locals fear the plans could increase traffic and more than 1,500 have signed a petition.

Retired chemical engineer Mr Rushby emailed Mr Butt asking: ‘What do we need to do to oppose it?’ Mr Butt’s reply said they ‘cannot start jumping up and down’ as ‘this would be considered tantamount to Islamophobia’.

Mr Rushby said: ‘I am deeply upset and offended by even the suggestion that my actions may be racially motivated.’

Mr Butt did not respond to requests for comment.

In a letter, director of legal and democratic services at Trafford Council Jane Le Fevre said: ‘The councillor has five working days to make representations to me.’