It's very sad to read some of your readers' accounts relating to the naming of Jinnah Road.

This name was one of several debated by the democratically elected councillors of the borough.

Your correspondence has clearly shown that despite all the efforts being made by everyone today to create a peaceful and tolerant society based on equality and fair play irrespective of faith, culture and colour, there are unfortunately a few who are still strongly opposed to the sign.

Redditch Muslims and other minorities should not be regarded as mere visitors anymore.

They are now in the third and fourth generation of residents born and raised in Redditch over 40 years.

Their commitment to spend £2m on the mosque and community facilities adjacent to Jinnah Road all by themselves is evidence enough to put many other groups to shame.

May I remind those concerned that the trend of people today is towards linking UK towns and cities with others in the world hence the One World Link campaign to eradicate prejudice and improve understanding of the different people of the world.

I hasten to add that after the British were welcomed in as traders by the Muslim moguls of India, they left a legacy of not only British street names but towns named after generals and other dignitaries in India and Pakistan.

And all these are still there today.

I'm certain Jinnah Road will serve to show those foolishly clinging to the past that not only is the tide changing but it's clear as well we call this evolution.

Well done Redditch Borough Council - let's all celebrate!

PERWAIZ KHAWAJA

Secretary

Redditch Pakistani Community Forum