LANS to build a new mosque in Worcester have provoked mixed reactions from the community.

Last week, your Worcester News revealed the plans for a £3 million mosque and education centre in Stanley Road, off Wyld’s Lane.

It will be built within five to 10 years, according to the Muslim Welfare Association, which is raising money for the project.

On this website one reader called Iftikhar, has commented: “The Muslim community needs Masajid (mosque) and state-funded Muslim schools, wherever they reside. The demand for Masajid and state-funded Muslim schools is in accordance with the law of the land. They are not asking for any favour. They pay all sorts of taxes and contribute to the prosperity of British society.”

However, not all readers were in favour of the plans.

Hotfuzz wrote: “Hopefully it will be in keeping with the rest of the area and not stand out like a sore thumb.”

Alanblockside, of Worcester, said: “With the desperate need for social housing what an earth were the council thinking of, selling a site in the city which was ideal for this purpose? If there are three mosques in Worcester now, why on earth do we need another?”

The new mosque and education centre – to replace the Tallow Hill Mosque – will be built on land bought from Worcestershire County Council for £600,000 in March.

A day centre for adults with physical disabilities will be demolished to make way for it and an underground or mult-storey car park will cater for 600 worshippers.

No planning application has yet been submitted.