WARRINGTON'S Islamic community is hoping that this year could see the start of ambitious plans for a new mosque to be built in the town.

And, according to Mushtaq Ahmed, chairman of the Warrington Islamic Association, the centre would be a facility not just for Muslims, but for everyone.

Although the association does not yet have a plot of land for the building, Mr Ahmed said the dream would be for a foundation stone to be in place by this time next year.

Plans and architects' drawings for the 800-capacity venue were discussed at WIA's annual charity lunch on Sunday.

Mr Ahmed said: "We hear a lot of fear at the moment in the media and all the negatives (about Islam).

"This centre would show that we are very nice people to know.

"We need to have a mosque that people can identify with and that is open 365 days of the year. And this would be a project for the whole of Warrington to be proud of."

The £750,000 cost of the building cannot be funded by money from non-Muslims, but Mr Ahmed said the association is looking for moral support.

He added: "It would be great if we could have something which will remain in Warrington forever."

Turn to Page 10 for more on the association's annual charity lunch.