MUSLIMS have been told ‘no’ for now to their hopes of building a purpose-built mosque in Swindon.

The 3,000-strong community say their cramped mosque in Broad Street is no longer suitable for a congregation of its size.

The Thamesdown Islamic Association had its heart set on a disused site near the North Star roundabout, off Osbourne Street.

But Swindon Council has refused, and says there are no suitable potential sites available at this time.

It says it needs to get full market price for any land sold and cannot make allowances for any groups.

Azim Khan of the Thamesdown Islamic Association said: “Broad Street is no longer sufficient.

“The number of people coming to the mosque is increasing day by day.

“We have built a second floor but it is still not enough.”

Last year worshippers were forced to pray in the street due to lack of room.

But since the extension, everyone can fit inside.

“We manage to hold the service inside but it is very tight,” said Mr Khan.

“We feel let down, as we have a very big population.

“We look after everybody and we get no support.

“They even do not invite us to discuss the problem after we have written several letters.

“We are very disappointed.”

Swindon Council said in a statement: “We are aware of the Thamesdown Islamic Association’s desire to be given land on which to build a new mosque and have been closely liaising with them on this matter.

“Unfortunately we are not in a position to give land away and have a responsibility to get full value for any land sold by achieving the best consideration reasonably obtainable.

“The council cannot therefore make special allowances for particular groups.”

A specialist architect had designed plans of a large, ornate mosque to accommodate 3,000 people for the Thamesdown Islamic Association.

But the plans will remain a dream unless Muslims find a site they can afford.

The council insists it is trying to help.

Its statement continued: “We appreciate the association’s wish for a purpose-built mosque in the borough and will continue to work with them to try and identify a site which they are able to buy.”

Mr Khan said the community’s population continues to grow as people from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia move to the town.