A LANDMARK mosque plan could be back on the cards after stalled regeneration schemes saw months of delays.

The proposals to build a mosque at the Hyndburn Road gateway into Accrington were first put forward in early 2009 and gained initial council backing.

The mosque plan was earmarked as a ‘preferred option’ for use of land of Blackburn Road once demolitions were completed as part of regeneration schemes.

However, when the regeneration schemes stalled due to Government cuts, the mosque plan was shelved.

The Grimshaw Street Mosque Committee and West Accrington Resid-ents Association, who were behind the idea, say they are now weeks away from sitting down with Hyndburn Council rep-resentatives to discuss moving forward.

The original plan was for a £4million mosque for 2,500 worshippers, to replace two Accrington mosques demolished as part of renewal schemes.

Tariq Ali, chairman of West Accrington Resident’s Association said the new mosque plans were likely to be smaller, to hold 1000 worshippers, depending on council guidance.

He said: “We are still very keen to progress and have been told by the council that a meeting should be possible within weeks.

“Officers have told us that there are just one or two more houses in Frederick Street to be acquired, and then they can discuss future uses for the land.

“At the moment, we don’t know if other mosques will be demolished so we will hopefully get more guidance at the meeting.

“We have been getting some plans drawn up by architects in advance and hope to put in an application very soon.”

Leader of the council Miles Parkinson said: “The progress along the Blackburn Road corridor has been amazing recently.

“The idea for the mosque in this part of town has been proposed by members of the community in the past.

“If the plans and finances are ready on their part then our council officers will be able to advise preparation for a planning application.”