Fears are rife that racial tension could erupt in Solihull following a campaign by the BNP against plans for a Muslim community centre. For 25 years Solihull Muslim Community Association (SMCA) has been searching for a home in the borough to no avail. Now the group has applied for planning permission to establish a cultural centre, which includes a prayer hall, in Dog Kennel Lane, Shirley, with 50 parking spaces. However, the plans, which also include a wudu room for washing before prayer, have resulted in the Far Right BNP posting leaflets in the area claiming there is an “Islamification” of Solihull.

Birmingham Mail, 11 March 2008