“Fury in Romford Over New Mosque Plans – ‘We Already Have One, We don’t Need One on Every Corner!’”
Romford community leader launches petition against controversial new plans for a new Romford mosque on South Street.
Kamal Siddiqui, a well-known and respected figure in Havering’s Muslim community, has launched a petition objecting to proposals by the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre to build a new mosque on South Street, Romford. Mr Siddiqui has been running a mosque in Romford peacefully since 1996, with planning permission granted nearly 30 years ago.
“We have a mosque in Romford; we don’t need one on every corner,” he told The Havering Daily.
Mr Siddiqui, a retired pharmacist, has spent decades serving both his Faith and the wider community. He is concerned that the proposed new site is unsuitable and could cause problems for the area.
“It cannot go in that area—there is no parking and no access for pick-up points,” he said. “It’s a very busy junction and this location just doesn’t make sense.”
He also questioned the motives behind the proposed centre. “I am doing things the way Islam wants; they are not. The foodbank and food kitchen are businesses and run as such. Unfortunately, in the Muslim community there are grouping systems and this is what happens.”
Mr Siddiqui’s petition has already gathered over 600 signatures from local residents who agree that a second mosque is not needed in that location.
“This is a Christian country,” he added. “There is already a mosque in Romford. A lot of people are uneducated when it comes to Islam. I believe in fairness and equality and I can see that a mosque there is completely incorrect.”
The proposed site on the corner of South Street has caused a stir among residents. It is a notoriously busy road and the idea of a place of worship—likely to attract a large number of attendees—has raised concerns about congestion, parking and safety.
Local voices are already speaking out, with many agreeing the location is ill-suited for such a centre.
The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre has yet to release a full public statement, but early plans show they are keen to establish a new base in central Romford.
This story is likely to remain in the spotlight over the coming weeks as debate continues over how best to balance community needs, religious freedom and practical urban planning.
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Response to Misleading Claims About New Mosque Plans in Romford
We are disappointed to read the recent article titled “Romford community leader launches petition against controversial new plans for a new Romford mosque on South Street”, which contains several inaccuracies and misleading statements.
First and foremost, the claim that “over 600 people are against a new mosque” is false. In fact, many members of the local Muslim community welcome the plans for a new mosque in Romford. The current mosque is often overcrowded, especially during key prayer times, and unfortunately does not offer essential facilities such as reliable access to toilets or washing areas, hot water, or heating. For those walking long distances or driving to attend prayer, especially the elderly or those with health conditions, this situation is not only inconvenient but also distressing.
It is worth noting that the mosque’s unpredictable opening hours have discouraged regular attendance and have negatively impacted community engagement, especially among our youth. A new, well-equipped and accessible Centre would help address these problems and better serve the growing needs of our community.
We are also deeply concerned by some of the divisive and insulting language quoted in the article, including the suggestion that worshippers are “uneducated.” Such remarks are not only unfounded but also deeply disrespectful and damaging to community cohesion. It is especially unfortunate that these comments come from someone claiming to represent the Muslim community, when in fact many community members feel alienated by his actions and attitude.
Finally, we believe it is unacceptable for local media to publish such negative portrayals without verifying facts or speaking to a broader range of voices within the community. Balanced reporting is essential, especially on sensitive matters involving faith and community development.
The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre has always strived to support interfaith harmony, charitable work, and community welfare. The proposed new mosque is intended to meet real, practical needs and promote inclusivity—not division.
We urge residents and media alike to engage constructively, with empathy and accuracy, as we work towards a better future for all in Romford.
Mr M R Chowdhury – Romford Resident
The comments you have made are false and this is malicious propaganda/ spreading damaging lies. Such statements harm community cohesion and are also deeply harmful to Islam and its followers. Debate about new facilities is valid, but it must be based on facts rather than inaccurate claims that risk dividing the community.
1. Facilities: Romford Mosque is fully equipped with central heating, reliable hot water, and three bathrooms with washing/ablution areas. These facilities are in place and in regular use. Full details are also available on the mosque’s official website.
2. Access & Parking: There are designated parking arrangements for worshippers, managed carefully to avoid disruption to neighbours.
3. Opening Hours: The mosque is open for all five daily prayers every day. Prayer times are posted on the noticeboard, shared with the congregation, and published online. Additional services are provided for Jumu’ah and during Ramadan.
4. Security: The mosque has security staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of worshippers and the wider community.
5. Popularity: The mosque is very popular and well-attended, particularly during Friday prayers and major religious events, clearly showing the vital role it plays in the community.