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Search forVandals strike again at proposed Asian centre
14:22 - 16-July-2008
The arson attack is the latest in a string of criminal damage incidents at Quenchwell Chapel at Carnon Downs.
Police said it caused a small amount of damage to building materials inside some time on Saturday night. A window was also smashed, but no further details are being released at this time. This came only three days after a banner was hung over the A39 nearby, with the words 'No Mosques Wanted Here' written on it.
Police removed the bed sheet from an overpass after a motorist tipped them off at about 7.20am on Thursday.
It has since been handed to scenes of crime officers for forensic examination in a bid to find clues as to who hung it during the previous night.
As previously reported, the building has been repeatedly daubed with racist graffiti and even had a pig's head nailed to the door since plans first emerged for the conversion two months ago.
Restaurateur Tipu Chowdhury hopes to transform the building into a community hub for Asian families to hold celebrations, community events and religious functions.
Mr Choudhury, head of the group of businessman of different faiths which has bought the chapel, said: “I can categorically say this will not be a mosque. It's a community centre to be run by ethnic minorities in Cornwall.
“People who are putting posters up or graffiti about mosques are misinformed.
“This will be similar to other village halls but rather than renting them for cultural occasions as we do now we would have access whenever we want.”
Mr Choudhury, a Muslim originally from Bangladesh who has lived in England for more than two decades, has been trying to set up an Asian community centre in Cornwall for many years.
People living nearby, the police and council members and leaders have condemned the attacks, which now number about a half dozen.
Information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log 393 130708.
pets at home in Truro.
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POST OFFICES are a lifeline in rural areas and should not be a political football. Our local PO is a MUST and can survive with the support of local people. The mood/swing is away from LARGE DICTATORIAL outlets.Times they are a changing.
