SUPPORTERS of controversial proposals to turn the former Railway pub in Darwen into a mosque have raised a 395 signature-strong petition in favour of the development.

It will be presented to the borough Planning Committee on Thursday next week.

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The scheme to turn the former pub in Railway Road into an Islamic place of worship has generated strong opposition and more than 2,400 people have signed an online petition urging councillors to reject it.

Planning committee chairman and Sunnyhurst ward councillor Dave Smith said: “We will note the petition next week. No decision has yet been made on this application.

“It has been significantly modified after the council’s officers expressed concerns. and there has been a re-consultation on the plan.

“The application may yet be decided by the full committee.”

The new petition says: “I have no objections to the application to change the railway pub to an Islamic centre/mosque. I support and strongly believe it will be highly beneficial for the young Muslim public.”