AN ONLINE group has been set up to raise money for a mosque in Wrexham.

Muslims in the town have had to use temporary facilities to worship for years and are currently using Rhosddu Community Centre.

Now a Facebook group has been set up by Amjid Hussain, of the Wrexham Muslim Association, to ask for any help to raise £250,000.

The association is looking to buy either the Miner’s Institute or the Old Brewery in Wrexham to have as a proper base for a mosque.

But a spokesman from the association stressed that if either were bought, strict building conservation rules would mean that no renovations to the outside would be made to make it appear like a mosque.

He added the most likely building to become a mosque would be the Miner’s Institute.

The group on Facebook set up by Mr Hussain reads: “With the growing number of Muslims in Wrexham, there has been a growing need for a suitable mosque to accommodate their needs.

“...an offer on a building has been made and they now require £250,000 in order to secure the purchase.

“The site comprises three buildings to accommodate 800 people and a car park.

“In addition to daily prayers, the mosque will offer a Madrasah for teaching Quran, a library, a day centre, a function room for Islamic events, a community hall and funeral services, which are all not available to the local Muslims at the moment.”

The association has raised funds over about 15 years for a permanent place to worship and has about half the funds needed to purchase a building.

Mr Hussain, who runs two stalls in the People’s Market in Wrexham, told the Leader: “It’s very important for the Muslim community to have a mosque but the centre would also be for people to visit and for people to learn about different religions.

“For so many years we haven’t had a mosque. It’s the future for generations to come. I think it would open communities’ eyes.”

The estate agents managing the Miner’s Institute, Beresford Adams Commercial, would not comment on any possible buyers because of privacy between the vendor and purchaser.

The association have been in discussions with Wrexham Council to secure a lease on a former vicarage on Rhosddu Road next to St James’ Church but nothing has yet been signed.