A Beacon of Unity: South Lakes Islamic Centre Forges Ahead, Welcomed by Community

The vision for the South Lakes Islamic Centre is steadily becoming a reality in Dalton-in-Furness, and its construction site recently became a vibrant hub of support and celebration. In truly inspiring scenes, passionate local residents and advocates for the new mosque gathered to proudly display banners and chant slogans, sending a resounding message of inclusivity, progress, and unwavering community spirit across the picturesque Lake District.

The journey to establish the South Lakes Islamic Centre on Crooklands Brow is a testament to perseverance and community need. While initial plans date back to 2021, and a handful of objections were raised, planning approval was decisively granted in December 2022, a clear indicator of the project’s merit and its alignment with local development objectives. Construction, which began in January of this year, is now progressing, bringing to fruition what many believe will be a vital and enriching addition to the area.

At the recent gathering, the centre's supporters, a diverse and heartfelt group, passionately held banners proclaiming ‘Stop the far right’ and joyfully chanted: “Say it loud, say it clear, Islamic Centre is welcome here.” This powerful demonstration of solidarity served as a direct and principled rejection of divisive narratives, showcasing the true welcoming nature of the Furness community. While a small number of opposing protesters were present, waving flags, their voices were clearly overshadowed by the overwhelming force of positive local sentiment.

The South Lakes Islamic Centre charity, the driving force behind this much-needed development, is spearheaded by a dedicated group of Muslim doctors who are integral to the medical community at Barrow’s Furness General Hospital. Upon its completion, this centre will stand as the only masjid within a 50-mile radius, fulfilling a crucial need by providing essential spiritual and community facilities for the thriving local Muslim population and warmly welcoming visiting tourists.

Demonstrators going head to head outside the construction site of the mosque in the Lake District. (Pix via SWNS)

The project’s proponents have compellingly highlighted the immediate and pressing need for the centre. It will thoughtfully cater to the 40 to 50 practising Muslim doctors and their families at Furness General Hospital – individuals who contribute immeasurably to the local healthcare system. Beyond this, the centre will also graciously offer "professionals, business communities and other trade workers who will need basic prayer, burial, teaching and community facilities," ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive resource for a wide array of individuals. The estimated cost for this ambitious and deeply meaningful project is approximately £2.5 million.

Supporters passionately advocate that the centre will provide a much-needed and long-awaited place of worship for hundreds of Muslim families residing in the area, profoundly enriching the fabric of the local community. This sentiment was powerfully articulated by Mandy Penellum, Secretary of Barrow’s Trades Council, who actively demonstrated her unwavering support for the Islamic Centre.

“I’m from Barrow myself but we’re all Furness people, and there has been so much negative coverage about the Islamic Centre. We came together to counter the negativity from the protesters over there,” Penellum stated with conviction. She emphasized that any attempts to paint the centre as unwelcome absolutely do not reflect the broader community's inherently open and accepting spirit. “There is a narrative here that’s been perpetuated – that the Islamic Centre’s not welcome – and that’s not everybody’s view by any stretch of the imagination. We’ve always been a welcoming and tolerant community here and people have come out to show that.”

Penellum further underscored the paramount importance of providing equitable access to worship for all: “You only have to look at Furness General Hospital, with staff from all over the world – it’s important everybody has a space to worship.” She also highlighted the centre’s broader utility as a community asset: “The centre is also going to be an asset for community use and I think it’s really important that people understand that and acknowledge the fact that we’re all human beings, we all have a right and a space to pray.”

Paul Jenkins, representing Stand Up to Racism and Unite Against Fascism, articulated his organization's unequivocal solidarity: “We were standing in solidarity with the South Lakes Islamic Centre and we were opposing a protest which was being held against the Islamic Centre. Dalton, and Furness generally, is a welcoming, multicultural, and multi-faith place. The protest against the Mosque does not speak for the people of Dalton and of Furness.” His words serve as a powerful affirmation of the area's inclusive character.

Despite this overwhelming and positive community backing, the South Lakes Islamic Centre has reportedly faced perplexing and unjustified obstacles. In late March, a representative from the centre alleged concerning delays in the delivery of vital construction materials to the site. In a YouTube video, the representative claimed that work to pour concrete into the foundations had been ‘delayed’ and that “local suppliers have refused to deal with us,” pointedly attributing these difficulties to negative and potentially misleading coverage on a particular TV channel. “The concrete, which was supposed to come this week, has been delayed because of the GB News coverage. It’s just the challenges we face; it’s a difficult area to build, but we are progressing very quickly.” The spokesperson also added that some quarries had inexplicably 'declined' to provide stones to the centre. Despite these alleged and regrettable setbacks, construction for this vital place of worship has continued with inspiring determination and resilience, driven by the profound belief in its beneficial impact.

Analysis: A Community's Resounding Embrace of Diversity and Inclusivity

The ongoing development of the South Lakes Islamic Centre stands as a powerful and inspiring narrative of community unity, progress, and the unwavering commitment to diversity within the Lake District. Far more than just a construction project, it represents the embodiment of a truly inclusive society where the spiritual needs of all residents are acknowledged and respected. The robust and heartfelt support demonstrated by a broad spectrum of local residents, including influential community figures, powerfully counters any narratives of division, highlighting the deep-seated belief that Furness is, at its core, a welcoming, multicultural, and multi-faith area.

The pivotal role of the South Lakes Islamic Centre in supporting the dedicated Muslim doctors at Furness General Hospital cannot be overstated. These highly valued professionals contribute immensely to the local healthcare system, and providing them with an accessible, dedicated space for their spiritual and community needs is not merely a matter of convenience, but a fundamental aspect of creating a truly supportive and equitable environment for all who serve the public. Their well-being and sense of belonging are intrinsically linked to the overall health and seamless functionality of these crucial public services.

The alleged challenges faced in material delivery, reportedly stemming from negative media portrayals, raise serious and concerning questions about the detrimental impact of misinformation on local development and community harmony. Such incidents, if proven, underscore how external narratives can not only foster societal division but also create tangible, unwarranted obstacles for vital community projects. However, the centre’s unwavering determination to press on with construction despite these hurdles is a testament to the remarkable resilience of the project and the inherent strength of its underlying mission to serve and enrich the community.

Ultimately, the establishment of the South Lakes Islamic Centre embodies the positive and ongoing evolution of the Lake District as a truly diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking region. The sustained and heartfelt support from a broad spectrum of the community sends a clear, unequivocal message: that spaces of worship and community gathering for all faiths are not just desirable, but are absolutely vital for fostering mutual respect, understanding, and ultimately, a stronger, more cohesive, and more compassionate society for generations to come.